plate no. 7491

Portrait of M. P. Zhdanovich

oil, canvasRealismportraitportraitfiguremilitary uniformmanclothing

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in portraiture, including capturing likeness and rendering realistic skin tones, as well as understanding how to create depth and form using subtle value changes.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 15 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Sketch the basic composition, focusing on proportions and placement of the figure.
step 02
Establish the background with a thin wash of warm brown tones.
step 03
Block in the main shapes of the figure, including the head, torso, and arms, using simplified values.
step 04
Begin refining the facial features, paying close attention to the light and shadow on the face.
step 05
Develop the details of the uniform, including the collar, buttons, and epaulettes.
step 06
Add highlights and shadows to create form and dimension throughout the painting.
step 07
Refine the background and edges to create a sense of depth and atmosphere.
step 08
Add final details and adjustments to complete the painting.

color palette

primary · ivory black · raw umber · yellow ochre · titanium white

secondary · burnt sienna · cadmium yellow light · alizarin crimson

Mix skin tones by blending white, yellow ochre, and a touch of red. Achieve the dark uniform color by mixing black and burnt umber. Use yellow and white to create the gold accents.

techniques