plate no. 8329

Portrait of Dmitry Benardaki

oilRomanticismportraitportraitfiguredeskchairclothingtable

experienced study

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in portraiture, including accurate proportions and rendering of skin tones, as well as understanding how to depict different textures and materials like fabric and wood.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 20 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Begin with a light sketch outlining the basic shapes and proportions of the figure, chair, and desk.
step 02
Establish the overall value structure by blocking in the main areas of light and shadow with thin washes of color.
step 03
Focus on accurately rendering the facial features, paying close attention to the subtle variations in skin tone.
step 04
Develop the details of the clothing, carefully observing the folds and textures of the fabric.
step 05
Paint the desk and chair, focusing on the wood grain and decorative elements.
step 06
Refine the background, ensuring it complements the overall composition.
step 07
Add highlights and details to create depth and realism.
step 08
Make final adjustments to the colors and values to achieve a harmonious and balanced painting.

color palette

primary · ivory black · raw umber · burnt sienna · titanium white

secondary · cadmium red · yellow ochre

Mix various shades of brown and gray by combining ivory black, raw umber, and burnt sienna with titanium white. Use cadmium red and yellow ochre to create the warm tones in the skin and chair.

techniques