plate no. 3393
Portrait of Svetlana Kolyvanova
some experience helpful
Recreating this painting will help students understand how to build form with visible brushstrokes and how to mix subtle variations of skin tones. It also provides practice in capturing a likeness through careful observation of shapes and values.
technical profile
palette complexity
3
brushwork visibility
4
value contrast
3
compositional simplicity
4
study guide
est. 10 hrsapproach — 8 steps
- step 01
Lightly sketch the basic shapes and proportions of the face and neck.
- step 02
Block in the main areas of color: skin, hair, background, and clothing.
- step 03
Start building up the form by adding layers of paint, focusing on the light and shadow areas.
- step 04
Use visible brushstrokes to create texture and dimension.
- step 05
Refine the features of the face, paying attention to the eyes, nose, and mouth.
- step 06
Add highlights and shadows to create a sense of depth.
- step 07
Blend some areas to soften edges, but maintain the overall textured look.
- step 08
Add final details and adjust colors as needed.
color palette
primary · titanium white · raw umber · yellow ochre · burnt sienna
secondary · ultramarine blue · viridian green · cadmium red light
Mix skin tones by combining white, yellow ochre, raw umber, and a touch of red; use blue and green to create the background and shadows.
techniques
- ·broken color
- ·alla prima
- ·scumbling
- ·dry brushing
common pitfalls
- →Over-blending and losing the texture of the brushstrokes.
- →Getting the proportions of the face wrong.
- →Using too much paint and creating a muddy effect.
- →Not paying enough attention to the values.
materials
surface · stretched canvas
required
- ·stretched canvas
- ·oil paints
- ·palette
- ·palette knife
- ·assorted brushes
- ·linseed oil
- ·odorless mineral spirits
optional
- ·painting medium
- ·varnish
- ·easel
Use a medium-tooth canvas to enhance the texture of the brushstrokes.
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