plate no. 8584

Lady on a Balcony, Koreiz

Nikolay Bogdanov-Belsky, 1914

oilRealismportraitportraitbalconysealandscapefigureflowers

experienced study

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in portraiture, capturing light and shadow, and rendering textures like fabric and foliage. It also provides practice in creating depth and atmosphere in a landscape.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 20 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Begin with a light sketch outlining the main shapes: the figure, chair, balcony, and landscape.
step 02
Establish the basic color blocks for the background: sky, sea, and distant land.
step 03
Block in the main colors of the figure: skin tones, dress, and shawl.
step 04
Develop the details of the chair, paying attention to the patterns and textures.
step 05
Refine the facial features and add highlights to the figure's clothing and jewelry.
step 06
Add details to the balcony and the surrounding landscape, including the flowers and foliage.
step 07
Work on the light and shadow, especially on the balcony floor and the figure.
step 08
Add final details and highlights to bring the painting to life.

color palette

primary · titanium white · ultramarine blue · cadmium red · yellow ochre

secondary · burnt sienna · viridian green · alizarin crimson · raw umber

Mix various shades of blue and white for the sky and sea. Use red and yellow ochre for the skin tones, adjusting with white for highlights and burnt sienna for shadows. Mix greens with blue and yellow, and add white for highlights.

techniques