plate no. 7887

Portrait of Prince Alexander S. Dolgorukov

oilRomanticismportraitfigureportraitclothingcolumntablepapers

some experience helpful

This painting provides an opportunity to practice portraiture, including capturing likeness and rendering realistic skin tones. Students can also develop skills in depicting fabric textures and subtle color variations.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 15 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 colors of the background, clothing, and skin tones.
step 03
Begin refining the facial features, focusing on accurate placement and subtle shading.
step 04
Develop the details of the clothing, including the fur collar, shirt, and jacket, using layering and blending techniques.
step 05
Add details to the hands, cigar, and papers on the table.
step 06
Refine the background and add highlights and shadows to create depth.
step 07
Pay attention to the light source and how it affects the colors and values in the painting.
step 08
Add final details and adjustments to complete the painting.

color palette

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

secondary · yellow ochre · cadmium red light · viridian

Mix skin tones by blending white, burnt umber, raw sienna, and a touch of red. Achieve the green of the jacket by mixing black, yellow ochre, and a small amount of viridian. Use white and ivory black to create the highlights and shadows.

techniques