plate no. 8624

Portrait of Empress Catherine II with traveling dress

oilNeoclassicismportraitportraitfigureclothinghathistoricalroyal

experienced study

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in portraiture, including capturing likeness and rendering fabric textures. It also provides practice in depicting intricate details and ornamentation.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 20 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Create a light sketch outlining the figure's pose and proportions.
step 02
Block in the main shapes and values of the background, hat, face, and clothing using thin washes of color.
step 03
Develop the skin tones, paying attention to subtle variations in color and value.
step 04
Refine the details of the face, including the eyes, nose, and mouth.
step 05
Build up the layers of color in the clothing, focusing on the folds and highlights.
step 06
Add the intricate details of the embroidery and ornamentation.
step 07
Refine the background and adjust the overall values to create depth and atmosphere.
step 08
Add final highlights and details to complete the painting.

color palette

primary · crimson red · ivory black · titanium white

secondary · yellow ochre · raw umber · gold

Mix various shades of red by combining crimson with white and small amounts of black or umber. Achieve skin tones by mixing white, yellow ochre, and a touch of red. Create gold tones by mixing yellow ochre with raw umber and a touch of crimson.

techniques