plate no. 8773
By the Window. Portrait of Olga Trubnikova
Valentin Serov, 1886
some experience helpful
Recreating this painting will help students understand how to use light and shadow to create form and atmosphere, and how to simplify details while still capturing the essence of the subject.
technical profile
palette complexity
3
brushwork visibility
4
value contrast
4
compositional simplicity
3
study guide
est. 12 hrsapproach — 8 steps
- step 01
Lightly sketch the basic composition, focusing on the placement of the figure and the window.
- step 02
Establish the dark background using a thin wash of dark brown or black.
- step 03
Block in the main areas of light and shadow on the figure and the window frame with broad strokes.
- step 04
Begin refining the shapes and details of the face, hands, and clothing, paying attention to the direction of light.
- step 05
Add highlights to the areas where the light is strongest, such as the face and hands.
- step 06
Develop the texture of the window frame and the surrounding areas with short, broken brushstrokes.
- step 07
Refine the edges of the forms and add subtle color variations to create depth and dimension.
- step 08
Add final details and adjust the overall balance of the painting.
color palette
primary · burnt umber · titanium white · raw sienna
secondary · ivory black · yellow ochre · ultramarine blue
Mix white with small amounts of umber and sienna to create the skin tones. Use black and umber to create the dark shadows. Add a touch of blue to the shadows for coolness.
techniques
- ·chiaroscuro
- ·broken color
- ·scumbling
- ·alla prima
- ·implied detail
common pitfalls
- →Overworking the details and losing the overall impression.
- →Making the shadows too flat and lifeless.
- →Not paying attention to the direction of light.
- →Using too much detail in the background.
materials
surface · stretched canvas
required
- ·stretched canvas (16x20 inches)
- ·oil paints (burnt umber, titanium white, raw sienna, ivory black, yellow ochre, ultramarine blue)
- ·palette
- ·assorted brushes (round and flat)
- ·linseed oil
- ·turpentine or odorless mineral spirits
- ·palette knife
optional
- ·painting medium (e.g., Liquin)
- ·varnish
Use a medium-grain canvas for best results. Consider using a toned canvas (e.g., with a thin wash of burnt umber) to establish a base tone.
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