plate no. 8254
Portrait of Elena Andreevna Tretyakova
Alexei Harlamoff, 1875
some experience helpful
Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in portraiture, including accurate proportions and capturing likeness, as well as blending techniques to create smooth transitions and subtle shading.
technical profile
palette complexity
3
brushwork visibility
3
value contrast
3
compositional simplicity
4
study guide
est. 20 hrsapproach — 8 steps
- step 01
Create a light sketch outlining the figure's pose and proportions.
- step 02
Block in the background with a mid-tone brown, establishing the overall value.
- step 03
Establish the main light and shadow areas on the face and hands.
- step 04
Begin layering and blending colors to refine the skin tones.
- step 05
Paint the dress, focusing on the folds and drapery.
- step 06
Add details to the lace, jewelry, and fan.
- step 07
Refine the background and adjust values as needed.
- step 08
Add final highlights and details to complete the painting.
color palette
primary · ivory black · burnt umber · titanium white
secondary · yellow ochre · alizarin crimson · ultramarine blue
Mix various shades of brown and gray by blending burnt umber, ivory black, and titanium white. Add small amounts of yellow ochre and alizarin crimson to warm the skin tones. Use ultramarine blue to cool down shadows.
techniques
- ·blending
- ·glazing
- ·scumbling
- ·portraiture
- ·chiaroscuro
common pitfalls
- →Getting the proportions of the face wrong.
- →Overworking the details too early in the process.
- →Making the skin tones look flat and lifeless.
- →Failing to create a sense of depth and dimension.
materials
surface · stretched canvas
required
- ·stretched canvas
- ·ivory black oil paint
- ·burnt umber oil paint
- ·titanium white oil paint
- ·yellow ochre oil paint
- ·alizarin crimson oil paint
- ·round brushes (various sizes)
- ·linseed oil
optional
- ·palette knife
- ·medium (e.g., Liquin)
- ·varnish
Use high-quality oil paints for best results. A medium can be added to the paint to improve flow and blending.
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