plate no. 1694

Portrait of M.P. Lentulova

oilPost-Impressionismportraitportraitwomanflowersfoliageheadscarfclothing

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in color mixing, layering, and capturing the essence of a subject with simplified forms and bold brushstrokes. It also encourages experimentation with color relationships and creating depth through overlapping shapes.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 12 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Lightly sketch the basic shapes of the portrait and floral arrangement, focusing on proportions and placement.
step 02
Block in the main color areas for the background, figure, and flowers using simplified shapes.
step 03
Start building up layers of color, paying attention to the local color of each element.
step 04
Add details to the face, focusing on capturing the likeness with simplified forms and color variations.
step 05
Define the shapes of the flowers and foliage, using bold brushstrokes and varying colors to create texture and depth.
step 06
Refine the edges and details of the clothing, adding subtle variations in color and value.
step 07
Adjust the overall composition, ensuring that the colors and shapes are balanced and harmonious.
step 08
Add final touches and highlights to bring the painting to life.

color palette

primary · ultramarine blue · cadmium red · yellow ochre · titanium white

secondary · sap green · violet · burnt sienna

Mix various shades of green by combining yellow ochre and ultramarine blue. Create different pinks and purples by mixing cadmium red and ultramarine blue with varying amounts of white. Use burnt sienna to create earthy tones and shadows.

techniques

·blocking in
·layering
·broken color
·impasto
·scumbling

common pitfalls

→Overworking the details and losing the freshness of the brushstrokes.
→Creating muddy colors by overmixing.
→Failing to capture the likeness of the subject.
→Ignoring the color relationships between the different elements of the painting.