plate no. 3414

Catherine I of Russia

oilBaroqueportraitportraitfigureclothingcrownjewelryhistorical

experienced study

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in portraiture, including accurate proportions and capturing likeness, as well as techniques for rendering fabric and textures with subtle color variations.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 20 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Create a light sketch outlining the basic shapes and proportions of the figure and background.
step 02
Block in the main areas of color, focusing on the overall value structure.
step 03
Refine the facial features, paying close attention to the light and shadow.
step 04
Develop the details of the clothing, including the folds and textures of the fabric.
step 05
Add highlights and shadows to create depth and dimension.
step 06
Paint the jewelry and other decorative elements.
step 07
Refine the background and add any final details.
step 08
Glaze to unify colors and add depth.

color palette

primary · ivory black · titanium white · cadmium red · yellow ochre

secondary · ultramarine blue · burnt umber

Mix various shades of gray and brown for the background and clothing. Use red and white for the skin tones, and add touches of yellow ochre for warmth. Mix blue and black for the dark velvet.

techniques