plate no. 1460

Portrait of P. N. Zubov

oil, canvasRomanticismportraitportraitfiguredraperywindowbookinterior

experienced study

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in portraiture, including accurate proportions and capturing likeness, as well as understanding value and color to create depth and form. It will also help students learn how to paint realistic fabrics and textures.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 20 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Create a light sketch of the overall composition, paying attention to proportions and placement of the figure.
step 02
Block in the main shapes and values using thin washes of color.
step 03
Start with the face, focusing on accurate skin tones and subtle value changes to create form.
step 04
Develop the drapery and clothing, paying attention to folds and highlights.
step 05
Add details to the hands and book, capturing their texture and form.
step 06
Refine the background elements, such as the window and drapery, maintaining a sense of depth.
step 07
Add final highlights and shadows to enhance the overall realism.
step 08
Glaze with thin layers of color to unify the painting and add depth.

color palette

primary · ivory black · raw umber · titanium white · cadmium red

secondary · yellow ochre · ultramarine blue

Mix various shades of brown and gray by combining black, umber, and white. Use red and yellow ochre to create warm skin tones, and add small amounts of blue for cooler shadows.

techniques