plate no. 5937

Portrait of a woman

Ivan Tvorozhnikov

oil, canvasRealismportraitportraitwomanfacehairclothingfigure

study guide

est. 12 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Sketch the basic shapes and proportions of the head, shoulders, and facial features.
step 02
Establish the overall value structure with a thin wash of burnt umber.
step 03
Block in the main areas of color, such as the skin tones, hair, clothing, and background.
step 04
Begin layering and blending colors to refine the forms and create smooth transitions.
step 05
Pay close attention to the subtle variations in skin tone, especially around the eyes, nose, and mouth.
step 06
Add highlights and shadows to create depth and dimension.
step 07
Refine the details of the facial features, such as the eyes, nose, and mouth.
step 08
Add final touches and adjustments to complete the painting.

color palette

primary · titanium white · burnt umber · yellow ochre · ultramarine blue

secondary · cadmium red · ivory black

Skin tones are achieved by mixing titanium white, yellow ochre, burnt umber, and a touch of cadmium red. Use ultramarine blue and burnt umber to create cooler shadows.

techniques

·layering
·blending
·scumbling
·glazing
·color mixing

common pitfalls

→Overworking the paint and creating a muddy effect.
→Failing to capture the correct proportions and likeness.
→Ignoring the subtle variations in skin tone.
→Using too much or too little medium.

materials

surface · stretched canvas

required

·stretched canvas (12x16 inches)
·oil paints (titanium white, burnt umber, yellow ochre, ultramarine blue, cadmium red, ivory black)
·linseed oil
·turpentine or odorless mineral spirits
·palette
·assorted brushes (round and flat)
·palette knife