plate no. 2519

Ivan Petrovich Pavlov

Mikhaïl Nesterov, 1935

oil, canvasPost-Impressionismportraitportraitfigureinteriortablewindowflowers

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 atmospheric perspective and color harmony.

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 the proportions of the figure and the placement of key elements.
step 02
Establish the background landscape seen through the window with broad, loose strokes.
step 03
Block in the main shapes of the figure, table, and chair, paying attention to the overall value structure.
step 04
Begin refining the facial features, focusing on capturing the likeness of the subject.
step 05
Develop the details of the clothing, hands, and other elements, using subtle variations in color and value.
step 06
Add highlights and shadows to create depth and dimension.
step 07
Refine the details of the flowers and the table cloth.
step 08
Make final adjustments to the composition, color, and value to achieve a cohesive and harmonious result.

color palette

primary · titanium white · raw umber · yellow ochre · ivory black

secondary · cadmium red light · viridian · ultramarine blue

Achieve the skin tones by mixing white, yellow ochre, and a touch of red and umber. Use viridian and ultramarine to create the greens in the background, and mix with white for lighter shades.

techniques