plate no. 5732

Portrait of Ivan Pavlov

Mikhaïl Nesterov, 1930

oil, canvasRealismportraitportraitfigurebookswindowinteriorclothing

experienced study

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in portraiture, including capturing likeness and rendering realistic skin tones, as well as understanding light and shadow on complex forms.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 20 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Sketch the basic composition, paying attention to proportions and placement of the figure and objects.
step 02
Establish the background with loose brushstrokes, focusing on the window and foliage.
step 03
Block in the main shapes of the figure, including the head, torso, and hands, using simplified color blocks.
step 04
Begin refining the facial features, paying close attention to the eyes, nose, and mouth.
step 05
Develop the details of the clothing, books, and other objects, adding texture and highlights.
step 06
Refine the light and shadow, creating depth and dimension in the painting.
step 07
Add final details and highlights to bring the painting to life.
step 08
Varnish the finished painting to protect it and enhance the colors.

color palette

primary · ivory black · titanium white · raw umber · burnt sienna

secondary · cerulean blue · cadmium yellow light · alizarin crimson · viridian

Mix various shades of gray and brown by combining black, white, and umber. Use small amounts of blue and yellow to create subtle variations in the skin tones and background.

techniques

·portraiture
·scumbling
·glazing
·impasto
·color layering

common pitfalls

→Getting the proportions wrong, especially in the face.
→Overworking the details too early in the process.
→Using too much paint and creating a muddy effect.
→Failing to capture the likeness of the subject.

materials

surface · stretched canvas

required

·Stretched canvas (18x24 inches)
·Oil paints (ivory black, titanium white, raw umber, burnt sienna, cerulean blue, cadmium yellow light, alizarin crimson, viridian)
·Palette
·Assorted brushes (round, flat, filbert)
·Palette knife
·Odorless mineral spirits
·Linseed oil
·Rags