plate no. 1009

Maria Grigorievna Viazemskaia, Princess Golitsyna 1772-1865 , seated three-quarter-length

oilRococoportraitfigureportraitlandscapeclothinghairsky

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in portraiture, including accurate proportions and subtle skin tone blending. It also provides practice in rendering drapery and soft atmospheric backgrounds.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 20 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Create a light sketch outlining the figure's pose and the main elements of the background.
step 02
Establish the basic skin tones using a limited palette of warm and cool colors.
step 03
Block in the large areas of color for the clothing, paying attention to the folds and shadows.
step 04
Develop the background, starting with the sky and then moving to the landscape elements.
step 05
Refine the facial features, focusing on accurate proportions and subtle shading.
step 06
Add details to the hair, clothing, and accessories.
step 07
Blend and soften edges to create a smooth, polished finish.
step 08
Add final highlights and shadows to enhance the form and create depth.

color palette

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

secondary · burnt umber · raw sienna · alizarin crimson

Achieve skin tones by mixing white, red, yellow ochre, and a touch of blue. Use ultramarine blue and white for the sky, and mix greens for the landscape using blue, yellow, and brown.

techniques