plate no. 8347

Portrait of Ekaterina Vladimirovna Rodzianko

oil, canvasRococoportraitportraitfiguredressbackgroundpaintingtable

experienced study

Recreating this painting will develop skills in portraiture, including accurate proportions and subtle skin tone variations, as well as rendering realistic fabric and textures.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 30 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Create a light sketch outlining the main shapes: head, shoulders, dress, and background elements.
step 02
Establish the background with dark, muted tones, focusing on the framed painting and the dark area behind the figure.
step 03
Block in the basic skin tones, paying attention to the light and shadow on the face and hands.
step 04
Begin layering the dress, using highlights and shadows to create the illusion of folds and fabric texture.
step 05
Refine the facial features, focusing on accurate proportions and subtle color variations.
step 06
Add details to the hair, dress, and background elements, such as the lace trim and the painting within the painting.
step 07
Glaze the painting to unify the colors and add depth.
step 08
Add final highlights and details to complete the painting.

color palette

primary · titanium white · ivory black · yellow ochre · cadmium red

secondary · ultramarine blue · alizarin crimson · burnt umber

Achieve skin tones by mixing titanium white, yellow ochre, cadmium red, and a touch of burnt umber. Create the dress's shimmering effect by layering white with subtle hints of blue and gray.

techniques