plate no. 3382

Lenin in 1922

oilSocial Realismportraitportraitfiguremanmilitary uniformhathistorical

some experience helpful

This painting provides an opportunity to practice portraiture, focusing on capturing likeness and using subtle color variations to model form. Students can also learn about depicting textures of clothing and facial hair.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 15 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Sketch the basic shapes and proportions of the head, shoulders, and hat.
step 02
Establish the main light and shadow areas on the face and clothing with a thin wash of color.
step 03
Begin building up the skin tones, using a limited palette of warm and cool colors.
step 04
Define the features of the face, paying close attention to the eyes, nose, and mouth.
step 05
Paint the beard and hair, using short, broken brushstrokes to create texture.
step 06
Add details to the uniform, including the buttons, collar, and shoulder patches.
step 07
Refine the background, ensuring it complements the subject.
step 08
Add final highlights and shadows to enhance the overall sense of depth and realism.

color palette

primary · titanium white · burnt umber · yellow ochre · ultramarine blue

secondary · cadmium red light · ivory black

Mix skin tones by blending white, yellow ochre, burnt umber, and a touch of red. Use ultramarine blue and burnt umber to create various shades of gray for the uniform and hat.

techniques