plate no. 9846

Portrait of the Kharitonenko Sisters

Paul-Albert Besnard, 1903

oilImpressionismportraitfiguresportraitinteriorcouchflowersbust

experienced study

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in portraiture, capturing fabric textures, and creating atmospheric perspective through color and brushwork. It also provides practice in rendering complex compositions with multiple subjects.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 20 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Sketch the basic composition, focusing on the placement and proportions of the figures and key elements.
step 02
Establish the background with broad washes of color, creating a sense of depth and atmosphere.
step 03
Block in the main shapes of the figures, paying attention to the overall color and value relationships.
step 04
Begin to refine the details of the faces, focusing on capturing the likeness and expression of each subject.
step 05
Develop the textures of the fabrics, using a variety of brushstrokes to create the illusion of folds, lace, and embroidery.
step 06
Add details to the background elements, such as the flowers, bust, and furniture, to create a sense of depth and interest.
step 07
Refine the overall composition, adjusting colors, values, and details as needed to create a harmonious and balanced image.
step 08
Add final highlights and shadows to enhance the sense of depth and realism.

color palette

primary · rose madder · ivory black · yellow ochre · titanium white

secondary · viridian · ultramarine blue · burnt umber

Achieve the subtle variations in skin tones by mixing rose madder, yellow ochre, and titanium white, with small amounts of ivory black for shadows. Create the fabric colors by layering translucent washes of rose madder, ivory black, and yellow ochre.

techniques

·broken color
·scumbling
·glazing
·portraiture
·fabric rendering

common pitfalls

→Overworking the details and losing the overall sense of atmosphere.
→Failing to capture the likeness and expression of the figures.
→Creating muddy colors by overmixing or using too much black.
→Ignoring the importance of value relationships in creating depth and form.

materials

surface · stretched canvas

required

·Stretched canvas 18x24
·Oil paints (rose madder, ivory black, yellow ochre, titanium white, viridian, ultramarine blue, burnt umber)
·Assorted round and flat brushes
·Palette
·Linseed oil
·Odorless mineral spirits
·Palette knife
·Rags