plate no. 7129

Portrait of Varvara Ermolayevna-Novosiltseva

oil, canvasRococoportraitportraitfigurewomandresshairribbon

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in portraiture, including capturing likeness and rendering soft, diffused light. It also provides practice in blending and layering colors to create subtle variations in skin tone and fabric.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 20 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Sketch the basic oval shape and the figure's pose, paying attention to proportions.
step 02
Block in the background with a dark, muted tone.
step 03
Establish the main areas of light and shadow on the face and dress using thin washes of color.
step 04
Begin layering colors to build up the skin tones, focusing on smooth transitions.
step 05
Define the features of the face, such as the eyes, nose, and mouth, with careful attention to detail.
step 06
Render the hair with loose, flowing brushstrokes, capturing its volume and texture.
step 07
Paint the dress, paying attention to the folds and drapery, and add the ribbon.
step 08
Refine the details and adjust the values to create a cohesive and realistic portrait.

color palette

primary · yellow ochre · titanium white · burnt umber

secondary · cadmium red · viridian · ivory black

Achieve skin tones by mixing yellow ochre, titanium white, and a touch of cadmium red. Use burnt umber and ivory black for shadows. Mix viridian and white for the ribbon.

techniques