plate no. 4149

Portrait of wife

Oleksandr Bogomazov, 1913

oil, canvasPost-Impressionismportraitportraitfigurewomanheadribbonprofile

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students understand how to simplify complex forms into planes of color and practice creating a portrait using a limited palette. It also provides practice in capturing light and shadow to define form.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 8 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Lightly sketch the basic shapes and proportions of the head, neck, and ribbon.
step 02
Establish the background color with a mid-tone gray-purple.
step 03
Block in the main areas of light and shadow on the face and neck using the limited palette.
step 04
Refine the shapes and values of the facial features, paying attention to the planes of the face.
step 05
Add the white of the ribbon, carefully observing the subtle shifts in value.
step 06
Define the edges of the shapes with slightly darker or lighter tones to create contrast.
step 07
Add small details and highlights to bring the portrait to life.
step 08
Apply final touches to the background to create a sense of depth.