plate no. 8535

Portrait of Aleksandr Danilovich Menshikov

canvas, oilBaroqueportraitfigureportraitclothingtablefurbackground

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in portraiture, including capturing likeness and rendering fabric textures. It also provides practice in creating a sense of depth and form through subtle value changes.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 20 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Create a light sketch outlining the figure's pose and proportions.
step 02
Block in the main areas of color: background, clothing, and skin tones.
step 03
Begin refining the facial features, paying close attention to light and shadow.
step 04
Develop the textures of the clothing, focusing on the quilted pattern and fur trim.
step 05
Add details to the belt and other accessories.
step 06
Refine the background and table, creating a sense of depth.
step 07
Add highlights and shadows to enhance the form and create a sense of realism.
step 08
Make final adjustments to the colors and values to achieve a cohesive and balanced composition.

color palette

primary · burnt umber · titanium white · ultramarine blue · cadmium red

secondary · yellow ochre · ivory black

Mix various shades of brown for the background by combining burnt umber, yellow ochre, and a touch of black and white. Achieve the blue fabric by mixing ultramarine blue with white and a touch of burnt umber to mute the color. The red coat is cadmium red lightened with white and glazed with a touch of burnt umber.

techniques