plate no. 1038

Portrait of Leonide Massine in “The Legend of Joseph”

Serge Sudeikin, 1914

oilExpressionismportraitportraitfigurestatuesrobearchitecturemale

some experience helpful

This painting provides an opportunity to practice portraiture, including skin tone mixing and capturing likeness, as well as rendering fabric folds and background elements with a limited palette. Students can also learn to create a sense of depth and atmosphere through subtle value changes and soft edges.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 10 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Sketch the basic shapes and proportions of the figure and background elements using light pencil lines.
step 02
Establish the overall value structure by blocking in the main areas of light and shadow with thin washes of color.
step 03
Begin building up the skin tones, mixing colors carefully to match the subtle variations in value and hue.
step 04
Define the features of the face, paying close attention to the placement and shape of the eyes, nose, and mouth.
step 05
Render the robe, focusing on the folds and highlights to create a sense of volume and depth.
step 06
Add details to the background elements, such as the statues and architectural features, using a limited palette and soft edges.
step 07
Refine the overall composition by adjusting the values and colors as needed.
step 08
Add final details and highlights to complete the painting.

color palette

primary · burnt umber · titanium white · cerulean blue

secondary · cadmium red light · yellow ochre

Mix skin tones with burnt umber, titanium white, and touches of cadmium red light and yellow ochre. Use cerulean blue mixed with white for the robe, and burnt umber with white for the background.

techniques