plate no. 8872

Portrait of Mikhail Nesterov

Viktor Vasnetsov, 1926

oilRealismportraitportraitfiguremanchairbackground figuresclothing

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in portraiture, including capturing likeness and rendering realistic skin tones. It also provides practice in creating depth and atmosphere through subtle color variations and brushwork.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 15 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Sketch the basic composition, paying attention to proportions and placement of the figure.
step 02
Block in the main shapes and values using a limited palette of earth tones and blues.
step 03
Develop the background with subtle variations in color and texture to create depth.
step 04
Refine the facial features, focusing on capturing the likeness and expression of the subject.
step 05
Add details to the clothing and hands, paying attention to folds and highlights.
step 06
Adjust the overall values and colors to create a sense of harmony and balance.
step 07
Add final details and highlights to bring the painting to life.
step 08
Let dry and varnish.

color palette

primary · ultramarine blue · burnt umber · raw sienna · titanium white

secondary · yellow ochre · ivory black

Mix various shades of brown and gray by combining the primary colors. Use white to lighten the tones and create highlights. Achieve the blue background by mixing ultramarine with a touch of black.

techniques