plate no. 5406
Portrait of Nikolay Leskov
Valentin Serov, 1891
some experience helpful
Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in portraiture, specifically in capturing likeness and modeling form through subtle value changes. It also provides practice in rendering textures like hair and fabric with visible brushstrokes.
technical profile
palette complexity
3
brushwork visibility
4
value contrast
3
compositional simplicity
5
study guide
est. 15 hrsapproach — 8 steps
- step 01
Sketch the basic proportions and pose of the figure.
- step 02
Establish the background with a thin wash of dark, neutral color.
- step 03
Block in the main areas of the face, hair, and clothing with simplified color masses.
- step 04
Refine the facial features, paying close attention to the light and shadow patterns.
- step 05
Add details to the hair and beard, using short, broken brushstrokes.
- step 06
Develop the folds and textures of the clothing with directional brushstrokes.
- step 07
Adjust the overall values and colors to create a sense of depth and realism.
- step 08
Add final highlights and details to the face and hair.
color palette
primary · ivory black · raw umber · burnt sienna · titanium white
secondary · yellow ochre · cadmium red light
Mix various shades of brown and gray by combining the primary colors. Use white to lighten the values and red/yellow to warm up the skin tones.
techniques
- ·portraiture
- ·chiaroscuro
- ·alla prima
- ·dry brushing
- ·scumbling
common pitfalls
- →Overworking the details too early in the process.
- →Failing to capture the correct proportions of the face.
- →Using colors that are too saturated or unnatural.
- →Ignoring the subtle value changes that create form.
materials
surface · stretched canvas
required
- ·stretched canvas 16x20
- ·ivory black oil paint
- ·raw umber oil paint
- ·burnt sienna oil paint
- ·titanium white oil paint
- ·round brushes (sizes 2, 4, 6)
- ·flat brushes (sizes 4, 8)
- ·linseed oil
optional
- ·palette knife
- ·medium gloss
- ·odorless mineral spirits
Use a medium-grain canvas for best results. Consider using a limited palette to simplify the color mixing process.
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