plate no. 7757

Portrait of N. A. Selivanovsky

oil, canvasRomanticismportraitportraitfiguremanlandscapeclothingmachine

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in portraiture, including accurate proportions and capturing likeness, as well as understanding how to create depth and form through subtle value changes.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 20 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Begin with a light sketch of the overall composition, focusing on proportions and placement of the figure.
step 02
Block in the main shapes and values using thin washes of color, starting with the background.
step 03
Develop the skin tones by layering and blending colors, paying attention to highlights and shadows.
step 04
Define the features of the face, focusing on accurate placement and proportions.
step 05
Paint the clothing, using darker values to create depth and form.
step 06
Add details to the background, including the landscape and machinery.
step 07
Refine the highlights and shadows throughout the painting to create a sense of realism.
step 08
Add final details and adjust colors as needed.

color palette

primary · ivory black · raw umber · burnt sienna · titanium white

secondary · cadmium red · yellow ochre

Mix skin tones using white, burnt sienna, and a touch of red and yellow ochre. Darken colors with raw umber or ivory black. Use thin washes of color to build up layers.

techniques