plate no. 6818

Portrait of P. V. Zhdanovich

oil, canvasRealismportraitportraitfiguredeskbooksstatueinterior

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in portraiture, including capturing likeness and rendering realistic skin tones, as well as understanding how to create depth and form using subtle value changes.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 15 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Lightly sketch the basic composition, focusing on the proportions and placement of the figure and key objects.
step 02
Establish the background with a thin wash of muted browns and grays.
step 03
Block in the main shapes of the figure, including the head, torso, and clothing, using simplified color masses.
step 04
Begin refining the facial features, paying close attention to the highlights and shadows to create form.
step 05
Develop the details of the clothing, including the textures and folds, and the medal.
step 06
Paint the objects on the desk, focusing on their shapes, colors, and how they interact with light.
step 07
Add the final details and highlights to the entire painting, ensuring that the values and colors are harmonious.
step 08
Glaze with thin layers to unify the painting and add depth.

color palette

primary · ivory black · burnt umber · raw sienna · titanium white

secondary · cadmium red · yellow ochre

Mix various shades of brown and gray by combining burnt umber, ivory black, and titanium white. Use small amounts of cadmium red to warm up the skin tones and add depth to the reds in the vest and medal.

techniques

·portraiture
·blending
·glazing
·scumbling
·value studies

common pitfalls

→Overworking the details too early in the process.
→Failing to accurately capture the proportions of the figure.
→Creating muddy or dull colors by overmixing.
→Ignoring the subtle value changes that create form and depth.

materials

surface · stretched canvas

required

·stretched canvas (16x20 inches)
·oil paints (ivory black, burnt umber, raw sienna, titanium white, cadmium red, yellow ochre)
·linseed oil
·turpentine or odorless mineral spirits
·assorted brushes (round and flat)
·palette
·palette knife
·rags