plate no. 0103

Portrait of A.A.Cherkesovoy-Benoit

Zinaida Serebriakova, 1938

oilExpressionismportraitportraitfigurehatclothingskylandscape

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in portraiture, including capturing likeness and rendering skin tones, as well as understanding how to suggest form through subtle value changes.

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, hat, and background.
step 02
Establish the main areas of light and shadow with a thin wash of color.
step 03
Begin building up the skin tones, focusing on the subtle variations in color and value.
step 04
Work on the clothing, paying attention to the folds and drapery.
step 05
Paint the hat, capturing its shape and texture.
step 06
Develop the background, suggesting the sky and landscape with loose brushstrokes.
step 07
Refine the details of the face, including the eyes, nose, and mouth.
step 08
Add final highlights and shadows to create depth and dimension.

color palette

primary · burnt sienna · raw umber · titanium white · cadmium red

secondary · ultramarine blue · yellow ochre

Mix skin tones by blending burnt sienna, raw umber, cadmium red, and titanium white. Use ultramarine blue and white for the sky. Create the hat color with burnt sienna, raw umber, and a touch of yellow ochre.

techniques