plate no. 4766

Olga Ivanovna Orlova-Davydova (Baryatinsky)

oilAcademicismportraitportraitfiguredresscurtainarchitecturebook

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in portraiture, particularly in capturing likeness and rendering fabric textures. It also provides practice in creating depth and atmosphere through careful value control.

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 main shapes and proportions of the figure, table, and background.
step 02
Establish the darkest and lightest values to define the overall contrast.
step 03
Block in the main areas of color, focusing on the dress, skin tones, and background.
step 04
Begin refining the details of the face, paying attention to the subtle shifts in value and color.
step 05
Develop the textures of the dress, fur trim, and curtains using layering and blending techniques.
step 06
Add details to the book and architectural elements.
step 07
Refine the overall composition, adjusting values and colors as needed.
step 08
Add final highlights and details to complete the painting.

color palette

primary · ivory black · titanium white · raw umber

secondary · payne's gray · yellow ochre

Achieve the various shades of gray by mixing ivory black and titanium white in different proportions. Add small amounts of raw umber or yellow ochre to warm the grays for skin tones and architectural details.

techniques