plate no. 5269

Portrait of Alexandra Struiskaya

oil, canvasRococoportraitportraitfiguredresshairrococowoman

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting would help students develop skills in portraiture, including accurate proportions, subtle value transitions, and capturing a likeness. It also provides practice in rendering fabric and creating soft, diffused lighting.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 15 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Create a light sketch outlining the basic shapes and proportions of the head, shoulders, and dress.
step 02
Establish the background with a dark, muted tone, gradually building up the darkness.
step 03
Block in the skin tones using a base mixture of white, yellow ochre, and a touch of red.
step 04
Begin to refine the facial features, paying close attention to the placement and shape of the eyes, nose, and mouth.
step 05
Develop the highlights and shadows on the face to create depth and dimension.
step 06
Paint the dress, focusing on the folds and drapery, and using subtle color variations to suggest the texture of the fabric.
step 07
Add details such as the hair, jewelry, and lace.
step 08
Refine the overall painting, adjusting values and colors as needed to achieve a harmonious and realistic effect.

color palette

primary · titanium white · yellow ochre · burnt umber · cadmium red light

secondary · ivory black · ultramarine blue · raw sienna

Achieve skin tones by mixing white, yellow ochre, and a touch of red. Use burnt umber and ivory black to create the dark background. Mix ultramarine blue with burnt umber for cooler shadows.

techniques