plate no. 8372

Count F. A. Tolstoy

oilNeoclassicismportraitportraitfigureclothingtablelampbook

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in portraiture, including capturing likeness and rendering realistic skin tones. It also provides practice in depicting textures like fur and fabric.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 15 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Sketch the basic composition, focusing on the proportions of the figure and the placement of key objects.
step 02
Establish the background with a thin wash of warm brown tones.
step 03
Block in the main shapes of the figure, including the head, clothing, and fur collar.
step 04
Begin to refine the facial features, paying close attention to the light and shadow.
step 05
Develop the details of the clothing and fur, using layering and blending techniques.
step 06
Paint the lamp and other objects on the table, focusing on their form and texture.
step 07
Add highlights and shadows to create depth and dimension.
step 08
Refine the overall composition and make any necessary adjustments.

color palette

primary · ivory black · raw umber · titanium white · ultramarine blue

secondary · cadmium red light · yellow ochre

Mix various shades of brown and gray by combining raw umber, ivory black, and titanium white. Use small amounts of cadmium red light and yellow ochre to warm up the skin tones.

techniques