Portrait of Vladimir Lenin by Mykhailo Boychuk

plate no. 7191

Portrait of Vladimir Lenin

Mykhailo Boychuk, 1919

oilExpressionismportraitportraitfiguremanfacehistorical figurebeard

suitable for beginners

This artwork allows students to practice line drawing, shading with hatching, and creating a portrait with expressive qualities. Recreating it will help develop observational skills and understanding of tonal values in a limited palette.

technical profile

palette complexity

1

brushwork visibility

3

value contrast

3

compositional simplicity

3

study guide

est. 6 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Lightly sketch the basic shapes of the head, shoulders, and facial features.
step 02
Refine the sketch, paying attention to proportions and angles.
step 03
Add details like the eyes, nose, mouth, and beard.
step 04
Begin adding shading using hatching and cross-hatching techniques, focusing on areas of shadow.
step 05
Build up the tonal values gradually, creating contrast and depth.
step 06
Add the background text lightly, using a fine-tipped pen or pencil.
step 07
Refine the linework and shading, adjusting values as needed.
step 08
Add final details and highlights to complete the portrait.

color palette

primary · black · white

secondary · gray

Varying the pressure and density of pencil strokes creates different shades of gray.

techniques

·hatching
·cross-hatching
·contour drawing
·line weight variation
·tonal shading

common pitfalls

→Incorrect proportions
→Uneven shading
→Overworking the drawing
→Ignoring the background text
→Lack of contrast

materials

surface · Drawing paper

required

·Graphite pencils (HB, 2B, 4B)
·Eraser
·Drawing paper
·Ruler
·Pencil sharpener
·Fine-tipped pen

optional

·Kneaded eraser
·Blending stump
·Tracing paper

Use a smooth drawing paper for best results. Experiment with different grades of graphite pencils to achieve a range of tonal values.

tips & new artworks in your inbox

no spam — unsubscribe anytime.

or to save artworks, chat, and track progress

related guides

oil painting for beginners →how to learn by studying the masters →

chat about this artwork

in this vein

related artworks

Dolly Sisters

Dolly Sisters

Kees van Dongen

Nude with Loaves

Nude with Loaves

Jean Helion

My Father

My Father

Carlos Botelho

Helen

Helen

Chronis Botsoglou

The portrait painter in the country

The portrait painter in the country

Albin Egger-Lienz

Marketta on Lázeňská street, Prague

Marketta on Lázeňská street, Prague

Maria Bozoky

Winter at the Entrepotdok, in Amsterdam city

Winter at the Entrepotdok, in Amsterdam city

Paul Werner

Old Woman with Masks (Theatre of Masks)

Old Woman with Masks (Theatre of Masks)

James Ensor