plate no. 8473

Portrait of Catherine II

oil, canvasBaroqueportraitportraitfigurethronecrowncolumndrapery

experienced study

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in portraiture, rendering fabrics, and creating a sense of depth through layering and value control. It also provides practice in painting ornate details and textures.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 40 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Sketch the basic composition, focusing on the placement of the figure and key elements.
step 02
Establish the background with broad washes of color, paying attention to the light and shadow.
step 03
Block in the main shapes of the figure, including the dress, robe, and face.
step 04
Begin refining the details of the face, focusing on accurate proportions and subtle value changes.
step 05
Develop the drapery of the dress and robe, paying attention to the folds and highlights.
step 06
Add the details of the throne, crown, and other ornate elements.
step 07
Refine the overall composition, adjusting values and adding final details.
step 08
Add glazes to enhance color and depth.

color palette

primary · titanium white · yellow ochre · ultramarine blue · cadmium red

secondary · ivory black · burnt umber · gold

Achieve the skin tones by mixing titanium white, cadmium red, and yellow ochre, with small amounts of ultramarine blue and burnt umber for shadows. Mix yellow ochre and burnt umber for the gold tones, highlighting with pure yellow ochre and shading with burnt umber.

techniques