plate no. 3533
Divination
Konstantin Vasilyev, 1975
some experience helpful
Recreating this painting will help students understand how to depict dramatic lighting and create a focal point using value contrast. It will also provide practice in rendering skin tones and hair with subtle variations.
technical profile
palette complexity
3
brushwork visibility
4
value contrast
5
compositional simplicity
4
study guide
est. 15 hrsapproach — 8 steps
- step 01
Sketch the basic composition, focusing on the placement of the figure, candle, and main features.
- step 02
Establish the dark background using a mix of browns and blacks.
- step 03
Block in the main areas of light on the face, dress, and candle using lighter tones.
- step 04
Refine the skin tones by layering and blending different shades of ochre, sienna, and white.
- step 05
Paint the candle flame, starting with the brightest yellows and oranges, and adding subtle blues and purples at the base.
- step 06
Add details to the hair, using thin brushstrokes to create texture and volume.
- step 07
Define the features of the face, paying attention to the subtle shadows and highlights.
- step 08
Add final details, such as the jewelry and the candle holder, and adjust the overall values to create a sense of depth and atmosphere.
color palette
primary · yellow ochre · burnt sienna · ivory black · titanium white
secondary · cadmium yellow · ultramarine blue · alizarin crimson
Achieve skin tones by mixing yellow ochre, burnt sienna, and white. Use black and burnt sienna for the dark background. Mix cadmium yellow and white for the brightest parts of the candle flame.
techniques
- ·glazing
- ·scumbling
- ·chiaroscuro
- ·blending
- ·layering
common pitfalls
- →Over-blending, which can flatten the image.
- →Getting the proportions of the face wrong.
- →Not creating enough contrast between the light and dark areas.
- →Making the candle flame too uniform in color.
materials
surface · stretched canvas
required
- ·Stretched canvas 18x24
- ·Oil paints (yellow ochre, burnt sienna, ivory black, titanium white, cadmium yellow, ultramarine blue, alizarin crimson)
- ·Round brushes (sizes 2, 4, 6)
- ·Flat brushes (sizes 4, 8)
- ·Palette
- ·Linseed oil
- ·Odorless mineral spirits
- ·Palette knife
optional
- ·Retouch varnish
- ·Medium gloss
- ·Easel
Use high-quality oil paints for best results. Consider using a toned canvas to create a warmer base.
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