plate no. 2723

Portrait of Maria Pavlovna Druzhinina

oil, canvasRealismportraitportraitfiguredresschairinteriorlace

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in portraiture, including accurate proportions and capturing likeness, as well as understanding how light and shadow define form and create depth.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 20 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Create a light sketch outlining the basic shapes and proportions of the figure and chair.
step 02
Establish the background with broad, muted tones, paying attention to the subtle variations in color and value.
step 03
Block in the main shapes of the figure, focusing on the overall form and gesture.
step 04
Develop the values and colors of the dress, using layers of thin paint to create depth and luminosity.
step 05
Refine the facial features, paying close attention to the subtle nuances of light and shadow.
step 06
Add details such as the lace collar and headdress, using fine brushes and delicate strokes.
step 07
Adjust the overall composition, making sure that all elements are in harmony.
step 08
Add final highlights and shadows to enhance the sense of realism.

color palette

primary · ivory black · raw umber · burnt sienna

secondary · alizarin crimson · ultramarine blue · yellow ochre

Achieve the dark, rich tones of the dress by mixing ivory black with raw umber and a touch of burnt sienna. Use alizarin crimson and yellow ochre to create the red accents, and ultramarine blue to cool down the shadows.

techniques