plate no. 3750

Portrait of Count G.G. Kushelev

oilRococoportraitportraitfiguresbustbuildinginteriorclothing

experienced study

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in portraiture, including accurate proportions and capturing likeness, as well as rendering complex textures and details in clothing and ornamentation. It also provides practice in creating depth and atmosphere through subtle value shifts and color variations.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 40 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Create a preliminary sketch to establish the overall composition and proportions of the figures and objects.
step 02
Block in the main shapes and areas of color, focusing on the background and larger forms first.
step 03
Begin to refine the details of the faces, paying close attention to the light and shadow to create form.
step 04
Develop the textures and details of the clothing, including the folds, highlights, and ornamentation.
step 05
Paint the bust and the landscape visible in the background, simplifying the details as needed.
step 06
Refine the details of the hands and other smaller elements, such as the papers and writing implements.
step 07
Adjust the overall values and color balance to create a sense of depth and atmosphere.
step 08
Add final highlights and details to enhance the realism and visual impact of the painting.

color palette

primary · ivory black · titanium white · burnt umber · cadmium red

secondary · yellow ochre · ultramarine blue · raw sienna

Achieve skin tones by mixing white, red, and umber, adjusting the proportions for highlights and shadows. Create the silvery sheen of the clothing by layering thin glazes of white and black over a neutral base.

techniques