plate no. 7537

EV Meshkov, née. Bilibin

oilRomanticismportraitportraitfiguredressflowersvasetable

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in portraiture, including capturing likeness and rendering realistic skin tones, as well as understanding how to depict fabric folds and textures.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 20 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Sketch the basic composition, focusing on proportions and placement of the figure and objects.
step 02
Establish the background with a thin wash of muted colors.
step 03
Block in the main shapes of the figure, paying attention to the overall form and pose.
step 04
Begin layering colors to define the skin tones, using subtle variations in value and hue.
step 05
Develop the details of the dress, focusing on the folds and highlights to create a sense of volume.
step 06
Paint the flowers and vase, capturing their delicate forms and colors.
step 07
Add the details of the table and other objects, paying attention to their textures and reflections.
step 08
Refine the overall composition, adjusting values and colors as needed to create a harmonious and balanced image.

color palette

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

secondary · yellow ochre · cadmium red light · viridian

Mix various shades of blue and green for the dress, using white to lighten and umber to darken. Achieve skin tones by mixing white, red, yellow ochre, and a touch of blue.

techniques