plate no. 5962

Mikhail Mikhailovich Speransky

oilRomanticismportraitportraitfiguredeskcandlemapbooks

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in portraiture, including accurate proportions and capturing likeness. It also provides practice in rendering textures like fabric and paper, and creating depth through subtle value changes.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 20 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Lightly sketch the basic shapes and proportions of the figure and main elements (desk, candle, etc.)
step 02
Establish the background with a thin wash of color, focusing on the overall tone.
step 03
Block in the main areas of the figure (face, clothing, hands) with simplified shapes and values.
step 04
Begin refining the facial features, paying close attention to the light and shadow patterns.
step 05
Develop the details of the clothing, desk, and other objects, gradually adding texture and form.
step 06
Refine the edges and transitions between different areas, blending where necessary.
step 07
Add highlights and final details to create a sense of realism.
step 08
Glaze with thin layers of color to adjust the overall tone and create depth.

color palette

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

secondary · cadmium red light · burnt sienna

Mix various shades of brown and gray by combining raw umber, ivory black, and titanium white. Use yellow ochre and cadmium red light to create subtle skin tones.

techniques