plate no. 0404

Portrait of K. I. Golovachevsky and the Younger Pupils of the Academy

oil, canvasRomanticismportraitfiguresportraitchildrenbookclothinginterior

some experience helpful

This painting provides practice in portraiture, including capturing likeness and rendering skin tones. It also offers a chance to study composition with multiple figures and create a sense of depth using value and color.

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 composition and proportions of the figures.
step 02
Block in the main shapes and values using thin washes of color.
step 03
Start with the background, gradually building up layers of color and value to create depth.
step 04
Focus on the faces, paying close attention to the light and shadow to create form.
step 05
Develop the clothing and details, using thicker paint and more defined brushstrokes.
step 06
Refine the details of the book and other objects, adding highlights and shadows.
step 07
Adjust the overall values and colors to create a harmonious and balanced painting.
step 08
Add final details and highlights to bring the painting to life.

color palette

primary · ivory black · raw umber · titanium white · cadmium red

secondary · ultramarine blue · yellow ochre · burnt sienna

Mix skin tones with white, red, yellow ochre, and a touch of blue or umber for shadows. Achieve the dark background by mixing black, umber, and a touch of blue.

techniques