plate no. 6716

Portrait of writer Ivan Sergeyevich Turgenev

oilRealismportraitportraitfiguremanbeardchairclothing

some experience helpful

This painting provides an opportunity to practice portraiture, focusing on capturing likeness and rendering realistic skin tones. Students can also learn about creating depth and form using chiaroscuro and subtle color variations.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 15 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Sketch the basic shapes and proportions of the figure and chair.
step 02
Establish the overall value structure with a thin wash of burnt umber.
step 03
Block in the main areas of color, focusing on the background, clothing, and skin tones.
step 04
Refine the facial features, paying close attention to the eyes, nose, and mouth.
step 05
Add details to the beard and hair, using small brushstrokes to create texture.
step 06
Develop the details of the clothing and chair, adding highlights and shadows.
step 07
Adjust the overall composition and values to create a sense of depth and realism.
step 08
Add final highlights and details to complete the painting.

color palette

primary · ivory black · burnt umber · titanium white

secondary · yellow ochre · raw sienna · cadmium red light

Achieve skin tones by mixing white, yellow ochre, and a touch of red. Use burnt umber and black for shadows and clothing. Mix white with small amounts of other colors to create highlights.

techniques