plate no. 2938

Portrait of Countess O. I. Orlova-Davydova and Her Daughter

oil, canvasRomanticismportraitportraitfiguresdraperylandscapedoginterior

experienced study

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in portraiture, including accurate proportions and rendering skin tones, as well as understanding how to depict the folds and highlights of fabric.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 30 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Sketch the basic composition, focusing on the placement of the figures and major shapes.
step 02
Block in the background with thin washes of color, establishing the overall tone.
step 03
Establish the main value structure of the figures, paying attention to light and shadow.
step 04
Begin refining the skin tones, using layers of subtle color variations.
step 05
Work on the drapery, carefully observing the folds and highlights.
step 06
Add details to the faces, including the eyes, nose, and mouth.
step 07
Paint the dog and other minor details, such as the jewelry and background elements.
step 08
Add final highlights and shadows to create depth and dimension.

color palette

primary · ivory black · titanium white · alizarin crimson · ultramarine blue

secondary · yellow ochre · raw umber · burnt sienna

Achieve skin tones by mixing white, crimson, yellow ochre, and a touch of blue. Create the deep blues of the dress by mixing black and ultramarine blue, and lighten with white for highlights.

techniques