plate no. 7919

Portrait of General V.A. Glinka

oilRealismportraitportraitfiguremilitary uniformmanhistorical

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in portraiture, including accurate proportions and capturing likeness, as well as understanding subtle color variations for skin tones and fabric.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 15 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Create a light sketch of the figure, focusing on proportions and placement on the canvas.
step 02
Block in the background with broad strokes, establishing the overall color and value.
step 03
Establish the main shapes of the face and uniform with basic colors.
step 04
Refine the facial features, paying attention to highlights and shadows to create depth.
step 05
Develop the details of the uniform, including the buttons, epaulettes, and decorations.
step 06
Add subtle color variations to the skin tones and fabric to create a sense of realism.
step 07
Refine the edges and details, ensuring a smooth transition between different areas of the painting.
step 08
Add final highlights and shadows to enhance the overall impact of the portrait.

color palette

primary · ultramarine blue · burnt umber · titanium white · cadmium red

secondary · yellow ochre · ivory black

Mix various shades of blue and umber for the uniform. Use red, yellow ochre, and white to create skin tones, adjusting the ratios for highlights and shadows. Mix black and umber for darker areas.

techniques