plate no. 1422

Nathalie Petrovna Golitsyn

oilRococoportraitportraitfigurelaceclothingshawlheadwear

some experience helpful

This painting provides a good exercise in portraiture, focusing on subtle skin tones and rendering delicate fabrics. Students can learn to create soft transitions and capture likeness through careful observation.

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 figure, paying attention to the head and shoulders.
step 02
Establish the background color with a thin wash of muted green and brown.
step 03
Block in the main areas of light and shadow on the face, using a limited palette of skin tones.
step 04
Refine the facial features, focusing on the eyes, nose, and mouth.
step 05
Paint the white dress and lace collar, using subtle variations in tone to create depth and texture.
step 06
Add the shawl, paying attention to the folds and patterns in the fabric.
step 07
Paint the headwear, capturing the delicate details of the lace and ribbons.
step 08
Add final highlights and shadows to enhance the overall form and create a sense of realism.

color palette

primary · titanium white · raw umber · yellow ochre

secondary · ivory black · cadmium yellow · alizarin crimson

Skin tones are achieved by mixing white, yellow ochre, raw umber, and a touch of red. The background is a mix of raw umber, ivory black, and a touch of yellow ochre.

techniques