plate no. 2956

Portrait of Nadezhda Polovtsova

oilRealismportraitportraitfiguredresschairfabriclace

experienced study

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in portraiture, including capturing likeness and rendering realistic skin tones, as well as understanding how to depict complex fabric folds and textures.

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 outlining the figure's pose and proportions, paying close attention to the placement of the head, hands, and chair.
step 02
Block in the main areas of color, starting with the background and then moving to the dress and chair, using thin washes of paint.
step 03
Develop the values and forms of the face, gradually building up layers of paint to create depth and dimension.
step 04
Refine the details of the dress, paying attention to the folds and highlights to create a sense of volume and texture.
step 05
Add the details of the chair, including the decorative patterns and the play of light and shadow.
step 06
Work on the hands, carefully observing the shapes and proportions.
step 07
Add the lace details and jewelry, using small brushes and fine strokes.
step 08
Make final adjustments to the values and colors to create a cohesive and harmonious composition.

color palette

primary · ivory black · crimson red · raw umber

secondary · titanium white · yellow ochre · ultramarine blue

Mix ivory black with small amounts of crimson and raw umber to create the deep blacks of the dress. Use white, yellow ochre, and a touch of red to create the skin tones. Mix crimson with a touch of black and white for the chair.

techniques