plate no. 6056

Portrait of Zinaida Volkonskaya

oilRomanticismportraitportraitwomanhatdresspearlsbook

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students learn about portraiture, including capturing likeness and creating soft, diffused lighting. It also provides practice in rendering fabrics and delicate details.

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, hat, and dress.
step 02
Establish the overall background tone with a thin wash of color.
step 03
Block in the main colors of the skin, hat, and dress, focusing on accurate color matching.
step 04
Begin to refine the facial features, paying close attention to the eyes, nose, and mouth.
step 05
Develop the details of the dress, including the folds, shadows, and highlights.
step 06
Add the details of the hat, including the ribbons and flowers.
step 07
Paint the jewelry and the book.
step 08
Refine the background and add any final details.

color palette

primary · flesh tones (various) · pink · green · brown

secondary · white · black · yellow ochre

Achieve flesh tones by mixing white, yellow ochre, and a touch of red. Create the green by mixing blue and yellow, adjusting the proportions for different shades. Mix pink from white and a small amount of red.

techniques