plate no. 6896
Portrait of A. Davydov
Orest Kiprensky, 1809
some experience helpful
Recreating this portrait will help students develop skills in rendering realistic skin tones and capturing subtle gradations of light and shadow. It also provides practice in depicting fabric textures and creating a sense of depth through value.
technical profile
palette complexity
3
brushwork visibility
3
value contrast
4
compositional simplicity
4
study guide
est. 12 hrsapproach — 8 steps
- step 01
Begin with a light sketch to establish the basic proportions and composition.
- step 02
Block in the main areas of value, focusing on the darkest and lightest areas.
- step 03
Gradually build up the mid-tones, blending carefully to create smooth transitions.
- step 04
Pay close attention to the subtle variations in skin tone, using thin layers of paint.
- step 05
Add details to the face, such as the eyes, nose, and mouth, using a small brush.
- step 06
Refine the drapery and clothing, paying attention to the folds and shadows.
- step 07
Add the details of the paper and table.
- step 08
Make final adjustments to the values and details to create a cohesive and realistic portrait.
color palette
primary · raw umber · burnt sienna · ivory black · titanium white
secondary · yellow ochre · raw sienna
Achieve skin tones by mixing raw umber, burnt sienna, and titanium white. Use ivory black sparingly to darken shadows. Add yellow ochre for warmth.
techniques
- ·value studies
- ·blending
- ·glazing
- ·hatching
- ·cross-hatching
common pitfalls
- →Overworking the details too early in the process.
- →Creating harsh lines instead of smooth transitions.
- →Failing to accurately capture the proportions of the face.
- →Using too much black, resulting in a muddy appearance.
materials
surface · smooth drawing paper
required
- ·graphite pencils (HB, 2B, 4B)
- ·kneaded eraser
- ·drawing paper (smooth surface)
- ·blending stumps
- ·ruler
- ·sharpener
optional
- ·tortillions
- ·sandpaper block
- ·fixative spray
Use a variety of pencil grades to achieve a full range of values. Work in a well-lit area to ensure accurate value judgments.
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