plate no. 1895

Portrait of Olga Ivanovna Demonkala

Pavel Fedotov, 1851

oil, canvasRealismportraitportraitfiguredressinteriorlightinghair

study guide

est. 15 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Sketch the basic proportions and pose of the figure on the canvas.
step 02
Establish the background colors and general lighting.
step 03
Block in the main shapes of the dress and skin tones.
step 04
Start layering in the shadows and highlights on the face to define the features.
step 05
Refine the details of the dress, paying attention to the ruffles and sheer fabric.
step 06
Add details to the hair, creating volume and texture.
step 07
Adjust the background and surrounding elements to create depth and balance.
step 08
Add final highlights and details to complete the painting.

color palette

primary · titanium white · burnt sienna · ultramarine blue · cadmium red

secondary · yellow ochre · ivory black

Achieve skin tones by mixing white, sienna, and a touch of red and blue. The dress requires careful mixing of white with small amounts of other colors to create the sheer effect.

techniques

·portraiture
·glazing
·scumbling
·blending
·layering

common pitfalls

→Overworking the details too early in the process.
→Failing to capture the correct proportions of the figure.
→Using colors that are too saturated, resulting in an unnatural look.
→Ignoring the subtle shifts in value that create form.

materials

surface · stretched canvas

required

·Stretched canvas (16x20 inches)
·Oil paints: titanium white, burnt sienna, ultramarine blue, cadmium red, yellow ochre, ivory black
·Assorted brushes (round and flat)
·Palette
·Linseed oil
·Odorless mineral spirits
·Palette knife
·Rags