plate no. 5900

Portrait of N. P. Chernyshova

oil, canvasRealismportraitportraitfigurewomanshawlchairclothing

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in portraiture, including capturing likeness and rendering fabric textures. It also provides practice in creating a sense of 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 the proportions of the figure and the placement of key elements.
step 02
Establish the background with broad, loose strokes of dark brown and umber.
step 03
Block in the main shapes of the figure, including the face, clothing, and shawl, using simplified color masses.
step 04
Refine the facial features, paying attention to the subtle variations in skin tone and the play of light and shadow.
step 05
Develop the details of the clothing and shawl, focusing on the folds and textures of the fabric.
step 06
Add highlights and shadows to create a sense of depth and volume.
step 07
Refine the edges of the forms to create a more natural and realistic effect.
step 08
Add final details and adjust values as needed to achieve a cohesive and harmonious composition.

color palette

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

secondary · alizarin crimson · ultramarine blue · yellow ochre

Achieve the skin tones by mixing white, yellow ochre, and a touch of alizarin crimson. Use burnt umber and ivory black to create the dark background. Mix raw sienna and white to create the shawl's base color, and add small amounts of other colors to create the patterns.

techniques

·portrait drawing
·scumbling
·glazing
·chiaroscuro
·blending

common pitfalls

→Overworking the details too early in the process.
→Failing to establish a strong value structure.
→Using colors that are too saturated or intense.
→Neglecting the importance of edges and transitions.

materials

surface · stretched canvas

required

·stretched canvas (16x20 inches)
·oil paints (burnt umber, raw sienna, ivory black, titanium white, alizarin crimson, yellow ochre)
·palette
·palette knife
·assorted brushes (round and flat)
·linseed oil
·odorless mineral spirits
·rags