plate no. 3796

Portrait of a Mistress Agrippina Leontyevna Apraksina

oilBaroqueportraitportraitfigureclothingjewelryhistorical figure

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 depict fabric and jewelry.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 20 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Sketch the basic shapes and proportions of the figure, focusing on the head, shoulders, and chest.
step 02
Establish the background with a dark, muted tone.
step 03
Block in the main areas of color for the skin, clothing, and hair.
step 04
Begin refining the facial features, paying close attention to the eyes, nose, and mouth.
step 05
Develop the details of the clothing, including the folds, textures, and embellishments.
step 06
Add the jewelry and other accessories, focusing on their intricate details.
step 07
Refine the lighting and shadows to create depth and dimension.
step 08
Add final details and highlights to complete the painting.

color palette

primary · ivory black · yellow ochre · burnt sienna · titanium white

secondary · Prussian blue · alizarin crimson · gold

Mix skin tones by blending yellow ochre, burnt sienna, and titanium white, adjusting the ratios to achieve the desired warmth and value. Use ivory black to darken colors and create shadows.

techniques

·portraiture
·blending
·glazing
·scumbling
·chiaroscuro

common pitfalls

→Incorrect proportions of the facial features.
→Overly harsh or muddy skin tones.
→Lack of attention to detail in the clothing and jewelry.
→Insufficient contrast between light and shadow.

materials

surface · stretched canvas

required

·Stretched canvas 16x20
·Oil paints (ivory black, yellow ochre, burnt sienna, titanium white, Prussian blue, alizarin crimson)
·Round brushes (sizes 2, 4, 6)
·Flat brushes (sizes 4, 8)
·Palette
·Linseed oil
·Odorless mineral spirits
·Palette knife