plate no. 3614

Portrait of Nikolaj Nikolajewitsch Ge

oilRealismportraitportraitfigurebeardtablebookpainting

experienced study

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in portraiture, particularly in capturing likeness and rendering realistic skin tones. It also provides practice in depicting textures like hair and fabric.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 20 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Sketch the basic composition, focusing on proportions and the placement of the figure and objects.
step 02
Establish the background with broad, dark tones, leaving room for the figure and painting in the background painting.
step 03
Block in the main shapes of the figure, paying attention to the overall value structure.
step 04
Begin refining the facial features, focusing on accurate placement and proportions.
step 05
Develop the beard and hair, using layering and directional brushstrokes to create texture.
step 06
Add details to the clothing and hands, paying attention to folds and highlights.
step 07
Paint the table and objects on it, focusing on accurate rendering and reflections.
step 08
Add final highlights and shadows to enhance the three-dimensionality of the painting.

color palette

primary · ivory black · burnt umber · raw sienna · cadmium red

secondary · ultramarine blue · yellow ochre · titanium white

Achieve skin tones by mixing burnt umber, raw sienna, cadmium red, and titanium white. Use ivory black and ultramarine blue for dark shadows. Mix yellow ochre with white for highlights.

techniques