plate no. 9965

Portrait of Shostakovich

Tahir Salahov, 1976

oilExpressionismportraitportraitfiguremanclothingchairglasses

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in portraiture, including capturing likeness and rendering form with visible brushstrokes. It also provides practice in mixing and applying a limited color palette to create depth and mood.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 12 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Sketch the basic composition, focusing on proportions and placement of the figure.
step 02
Establish the main areas of light and shadow with a thin wash of burnt umber or a similar neutral tone.
step 03
Block in the large areas of color, such as the background, clothing, and skin tones.
step 04
Refine the facial features, paying close attention to the shapes of the eyes, nose, and mouth.
step 05
Develop the details of the clothing, including the folds and wrinkles.
step 06
Add highlights and shadows to create depth and dimension.
step 07
Refine the brushwork, using visible strokes to add texture and interest.
step 08
Add final details and adjustments to complete the painting.

color palette

primary · titanium white · ivory black · ultramarine blue · burnt umber

secondary · cadmium red · yellow ochre

Mix various shades of gray by combining black and white. Create skin tones by mixing white, yellow ochre, and a touch of red. Darken colors with black or burnt umber, and lighten with white.

techniques