plate no. 5036
Portrait of Elena Prahova
Oleksandr Murashko, 1905
some experience helpful
This painting provides an opportunity to practice capturing light and shadow on fabric and skin tones using loose, impressionistic brushstrokes. Students can learn to simplify details and focus on capturing the overall impression of the subject.
technical profile
palette complexity
3
brushwork visibility
4
value contrast
3
compositional simplicity
4
study guide
est. 12 hrsapproach — 8 steps
- step 01
Sketch the basic composition, focusing on the placement of the figure and the table.
- step 02
Establish the background with light, muted tones, using broad brushstrokes.
- step 03
Block in the main shapes of the figure, paying attention to the overall proportions.
- step 04
Mix skin tones using a limited palette and apply them to the face and hands, capturing the subtle variations in light and shadow.
- step 05
Paint the dress, using broken brushstrokes to suggest the texture of the fabric.
- step 06
Add details to the face, such as the eyes, nose, and mouth, using small, precise brushstrokes.
- step 07
Define the table and other objects in the scene, using darker tones to create contrast.
- step 08
Refine the painting, adding highlights and shadows to create depth and dimension.
color palette
primary · titanium white · yellow ochre · burnt umber
secondary · ultramarine blue · alizarin crimson
Achieve skin tones by mixing white, yellow ochre, and a touch of burnt umber or alizarin crimson. Use ultramarine blue and white for cooler shadows.
techniques
- ·broken color
- ·scumbling
- ·alla prima
- ·limited palette
common pitfalls
- →Overworking the details and losing the loose, impressionistic feel.
- →Using too many colors and creating a muddy effect.
- →Failing to capture the subtle variations in light and shadow.
- →Getting bogged down in details instead of capturing the overall impression.
materials
surface · stretched canvas
required
- ·stretched canvas
- ·titanium white oil paint
- ·yellow ochre oil paint
- ·burnt umber oil paint
- ·ultramarine blue oil paint
- ·alizarin crimson oil paint
- ·#4 round brush
- ·#8 flat brush
optional
- ·palette knife
- ·linseed oil
- ·turpentine
- ·medium gloss
Use a medium-grain canvas for best results. Consider using a limited palette to simplify the color mixing process.
tips & new artworks in your inbox
no spam — unsubscribe anytime.
or to save artworks, chat, and track progress
related guides
in this vein
