plate no. 1584
Pierrot (Self portrait in the costume of Pierrot)
Zinaida Serebriakova, 1911
experienced study
This painting teaches dramatic chiaroscuro lighting techniques and the challenge of rendering different fabric textures, from loose white cotton to dark smooth materials.
technical profile
palette complexity
3
brushwork visibility
4
value contrast
5
compositional simplicity
4
study guide
est. 15 hrsapproach — 8 steps
- step 01
Block in the figure's basic proportions and pose with light charcoal or thin paint
- step 02
Establish the dramatic dark background using broad strokes
- step 03
Map out the major light and shadow patterns across the face and costume
- step 04
Build up the warm flesh tones in the illuminated areas of face and hands
- step 05
Paint the white costume fabric using varied warm and cool grays
- step 06
Add the dark hat and sash with attention to their different textures
- step 07
Refine facial features and expression with careful brushwork
- step 08
Finish with final highlights and texture details in the fabric
color palette
primary · titanium white · burnt umber · raw umber · yellow ochre
secondary · cadmium red light · ultramarine blue · ivory black · naples yellow
Mix warm flesh tones using white, yellow ochre, and touches of red; create fabric shadows by mixing white with small amounts of blue and umber
techniques
- ·chiaroscuro lighting
- ·alla prima painting
- ·impasto highlights
- ·lost and found edges
- ·color temperature modeling
common pitfalls
- →making the white costume too stark
- →overworking the smooth flesh areas
- →losing the dramatic light source
- →making shadows too muddy
materials
surface · primed canvas or canvas board
required
- ·#6 flat brush
- ·#4 round brush
- ·#1 detail brush
- ·titanium white oil paint
- ·burnt umber oil paint
- ·yellow ochre oil paint
- ·ultramarine blue oil paint
- ·canvas 16x20 inches
optional
- ·palette knife for mixing
- ·painting medium
- ·#8 filbert brush
- ·ivory black oil paint
Use quality brushes that hold their shape well for the detailed facial work and fabric rendering
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