plate no. 8181

Boris Yakovlevich Knyazhnin, Russian General

oilNeoclassicismportraitportraitfiguremilitaryuniformmanclothing

experienced study

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in portraiture, including accurate proportions and capturing likeness, as well as rendering textures like fabric and metal.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 20 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Sketch the basic proportions and pose of the figure.
step 02
Establish the background with broad, blended strokes of muted colors.
step 03
Block in the main shapes of the face, hair, and uniform using mid-tones.
step 04
Develop the light and shadow on the face to create form and volume.
step 05
Add details to the uniform, including the epaulettes, medals, and buttons.
step 06
Refine the facial features, paying attention to the eyes, nose, and mouth.
step 07
Add highlights and details to the hair to create texture and dimension.
step 08
Make final adjustments to the overall composition and color balance.

color palette

primary · ivory black · raw umber · yellow ochre · burnt sienna

secondary · cadmium red · ultramarine blue · titanium white

Mix various shades of brown and gray by combining the primary colors. Use white to lighten the tones and create highlights. Add small amounts of red or blue to adjust the temperature of the colors.

techniques

·portraiture
·glazing
·scumbling
·blending
·chiaroscuro

common pitfalls

→Getting the proportions wrong, especially in the face.
→Overworking the details too early in the process.
→Using colors that are too bright or saturated.
→Failing to create a sense of depth and volume.

materials

surface · stretched canvas

required

·stretched canvas 18x24
·oil paints (ivory black, raw umber, yellow ochre, burnt sienna, cadmium red, ultramarine blue, titanium white)
·round brushes (sizes 2, 4, 6)
·flat brushes (sizes 4, 8)
·linseed oil
·odorless mineral spirits
·palette
·palette knife