plate no. 5650

Family portrait of counts Morkovs

oilRomanticismportraitfiguresportraitinteriordogcolumnslandscape

experienced study

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in portraiture, including capturing likeness and rendering realistic skin tones, as well as understanding complex compositions with multiple figures and objects.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 40 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Begin with a light sketch to establish the overall composition and placement of figures and objects.
step 02
Block in the main shapes and values using thin washes of color.
step 03
Develop the background elements, paying attention to the subtle variations in tone and color.
step 04
Start building up the forms of the figures, focusing on accurate proportions and anatomical details.
step 05
Refine the skin tones, using layering and blending techniques to create a realistic effect.
step 06
Add details to the clothing, furniture, and other objects, paying attention to texture and form.
step 07
Adjust the overall values and colors to create a sense of depth and atmosphere.
step 08
Add final highlights and details to bring the painting to life.

color palette

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

secondary · yellow ochre · burnt sienna · ultramarine blue

Achieve skin tones by mixing white, red, yellow ochre, and a touch of umber. Use ultramarine blue and burnt sienna to create neutral grays for shadows.

techniques