plate no. 4290

D. I. Mendeleev

oilRealismportraitportraitfigurebeardclothinghandman

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in portraiture, including capturing likeness and rendering realistic skin tones and textures. It also provides practice in creating depth and form using subtle value changes.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 20 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Sketch the basic proportions and pose of the figure, paying attention to the placement of the head, shoulders, and hands.
step 02
Establish the overall value structure by blocking in the background and major areas of light and shadow with thin washes of color.
step 03
Begin refining the facial features, focusing on accurate placement and proportions of the eyes, nose, and mouth.
step 04
Develop the skin tones by layering and blending different shades of warm and cool colors, paying attention to the subtle variations in value.
step 05
Render the beard and hair with careful attention to the direction of the strands and the play of light and shadow.
step 06
Paint the clothing, focusing on the folds and drapery and how they define the form of the figure.
step 07
Add details such as the hand and cigarette, paying attention to the subtle nuances of light and shadow.
step 08
Make final adjustments to the overall composition, ensuring that the values and colors are balanced and harmonious.

color palette

primary · burnt umber · raw umber · ivory black · titanium white

secondary · yellow ochre · cadmium red light · ultramarine blue

Mix skin tones by combining white, yellow ochre, and a touch of red. Use umbers and black to create shadows and darker values. Add small amounts of blue to cool down skin tones.

techniques