plate no. 9089

Copy of 'Portrait of Simonetta Vespucci' by Piero di Cosimo

Konstantin Somov, 1939

oil, canvasEarly Renaissanceportraitportraitfigurelandscapeskysnakehair

experienced study

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in portraiture, including accurate proportions and rendering skin tones, as well as practicing blending techniques to create smooth transitions.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 25 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Create a preliminary sketch outlining the figure's pose and major compositional elements.
step 02
Block in the background landscape with broad strokes, establishing the horizon line and basic color values.
step 03
Begin mapping out the figure's form, paying close attention to the proportions of the face and body.
step 04
Mix and apply base skin tones, gradually building up highlights and shadows to create depth.
step 05
Carefully render the details of the hair, jewelry, and snake, using smaller brushes and finer strokes.
step 06
Refine the background elements, adding details to the trees, clouds, and distant buildings.
step 07
Glaze thin layers of color to unify the painting and enhance the overall harmony.
step 08
Add final highlights and details to complete the painting.

color palette

primary · titanium white · yellow ochre · burnt umber · cadmium red

secondary · ultramarine blue · ivory black · viridian

Achieve skin tones by mixing white, yellow ochre, and a touch of red; use burnt umber and blue for shadows. Mix greens with blue and yellow, adding white for highlights.

techniques