plate no. 5934

Faces of Russia

Boris Grigoriev, 1923

oilExpressionismportraitportraitfiguresfaceshatsbeardlandscape

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students understand how to simplify complex forms into geometric shapes and how to use a limited color palette to create a cohesive and expressive portrait. It also encourages experimentation with visible brushstrokes to add texture and character.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 12 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Lightly sketch the main shapes and proportions of the figures and background.
step 02
Block in the large areas of color using a limited palette of earth tones and yellows.
step 03
Define the facial features and details with darker and lighter values, paying attention to the planes of the face.
step 04
Add texture and interest by using visible brushstrokes and varying the direction of the strokes.
step 05
Refine the details and adjust the colors to match the original painting.
step 06
Add the background figures and landscape elements.
step 07
Check the overall composition and make any necessary adjustments.
step 08
Add final highlights and shadows to enhance the form and create depth.

color palette

primary · yellow ochre · raw umber · titanium white

secondary · Prussian blue · cadmium red light

Mix various shades of brown and yellow by combining raw umber, yellow ochre, and white. Use small amounts of blue and red to create subtle variations in skin tones and shadows.

techniques

·blocking in
·geometric abstraction
·visible brushstrokes
·limited palette
·color mixing

common pitfalls

→Over-blending the colors, which can result in a muddy appearance.
→Getting lost in the details too early in the process.
→Not paying attention to the proportions of the figures.
→Using too many colors, which can make the painting look chaotic.

materials

surface · stretched canvas

required

·Stretched canvas (16x20 inches)
·Acrylic or oil paints (yellow ochre, raw umber, titanium white, Prussian blue, cadmium red light)
·Round brushes (sizes 2, 4, 6)
·Flat brushes (sizes 4, 8)
·Palette
·Palette knife
·Odorless mineral spirits or water (depending on paint type)
·Linseed oil (if using oil paints)