plate no. 4599

Portrait of I. Zolotarevsky

Boris Kustodiev, 1922

oil, canvasRealismportraitportraitfigurefur coatinteriorwindowbuildings

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in portraiture, including capturing likeness and rendering textures like fur and fabric. It also provides practice in creating a sense of depth and atmosphere through color and value.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 20 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Begin with a light sketch to establish the overall composition and proportions of the figure and background.
step 02
Block in the main shapes and colors, focusing on the large areas of the fur coat, the couch, and the background buildings.
step 03
Develop the values and tones within each area, paying attention to the light and shadow.
step 04
Refine the details of the face, hands, and other focal points.
step 05
Add texture to the fur coat using short, broken brushstrokes.
step 06
Glaze thin layers to adjust colors and values.
step 07
Add the final details, such as the cigarette and the design on the curtain.
step 08
Varnish the painting to protect it and enhance the colors.

color palette

primary · raw umber · titanium white · burnt sienna · viridian

secondary · yellow ochre · ivory black · cadmium red light

Mix various shades of brown and green by combining raw umber, burnt sienna, viridian, and white. Use yellow ochre and cadmium red light to create the warm tones in the face and fur. Add ivory black to darken the colors and create shadows.

techniques