plate no. 1804

Portrait of M. M. Rodivanovsky

watercolor, cardboardRealismportraitportraitfiguremanclothinghair

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in portraiture, including capturing likeness and rendering subtle skin tones. It also provides practice in creating depth and form using value and soft blending techniques.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 8 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Lightly sketch the basic shapes and proportions of the head, shoulders, and clothing.
step 02
Establish the background wash with a diluted yellow ochre.
step 03
Block in the darkest areas of the clothing and hair with a mix of black and brown.
step 04
Begin layering skin tones, starting with light washes and gradually building up darker values.
step 05
Pay close attention to the subtle shifts in color and value on the face to create form.
step 06
Define the features of the face, such as the eyes, nose, and mouth, with careful detail.
step 07
Soften edges and blend colors to create a smooth, realistic effect.
step 08
Add final highlights and shadows to enhance the depth and dimension of the portrait.

color palette

primary · yellow ochre · burnt umber · ivory black · raw sienna

secondary · alizarin crimson · ultramarine blue

Mix skin tones by combining yellow ochre, burnt umber, and a touch of alizarin crimson. Use ivory black and burnt umber for dark clothing and hair. Dilute colors with water for transparent washes.

techniques

·watercolor washes
·dry brushing
·blending
·layering
·value control

common pitfalls

→Overworking the details too early in the process.
→Using too much water, which can cause colors to bleed uncontrollably.
→Failing to establish a strong value structure.
→Not paying close enough attention to the subtle shifts in color and value on the face.