plate no. 5231

Countess Orlov-Denisov, née Elena Ivanovna Tchertkova, later Countess Peter Andreievitch Shuvalov (1830-1922)

oil, canvasRomanticismportraitportraitfiguredresslacejewelryhair

experienced study

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in portraiture, including capturing likeness and rendering realistic skin tones, as well as practicing the depiction of fabric and textures.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 25 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Sketch the basic proportions and pose of the figure on the canvas.
step 02
Establish the background with a thin wash of muted gray-brown.
step 03
Block in the main shapes of the dress and the figure's skin tones.
step 04
Begin layering and blending the skin tones, paying attention to highlights and shadows.
step 05
Develop the details of the dress, focusing on the folds and textures of the fabric.
step 06
Add the lace details, using a fine brush and light, delicate strokes.
step 07
Paint the jewelry and other accessories, adding highlights to create a sense of realism.
step 08
Refine the details of the face, including the eyes, nose, and mouth.

color palette

primary · titanium white · ivory black · raw umber · cadmium red light

secondary · alizarin crimson · yellow ochre · ultramarine blue

Achieve skin tones by mixing white, red, yellow ochre, and a touch of blue or umber. Create the dress color by mixing white with small amounts of raw umber and yellow ochre.

techniques