plate no. 9233

Portrait of Boris Vasnetsov, son of the artist

oil, canvasSymbolismportraitportraitfigureboyclothingchairface

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in portraiture, including capturing likeness and rendering subtle skin tones, as well as understanding the use of soft, blended brushstrokes to create a sense of depth and form.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 12 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Lightly sketch the basic shapes and proportions of the boy's head, shoulders, and chair.
step 02
Block in the background with a thin layer of blue and brown, focusing on the overall value.
step 03
Establish the main areas of light and shadow on the face using thin washes of color.
step 04
Begin building up the skin tones with layers of blended paint, paying attention to subtle variations in color and value.
step 05
Define the features of the face, such as the eyes, nose, and mouth, with careful attention to detail.
step 06
Paint the clothing with broad, loose brushstrokes, capturing the folds and shadows.
step 07
Add details to the chair and background, maintaining a soft and blurred effect.
step 08
Refine the edges and details throughout the painting, ensuring a cohesive and harmonious result.

color palette

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

secondary · cadmium red light · raw sienna

Mix skin tones by blending white, yellow ochre, burnt umber, and a touch of red. Use ultramarine blue and burnt umber to create the dark tones of the clothing and background.

techniques