plate no. 9817

Princess Alexandra A. Dietrichstein, nee Shuvalova

oil, canvasNeoclassicismportraitfigureportraitdressdraperycolumnlandscape

experienced study

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in portraiture, including accurate proportions and rendering of skin tones, as well as understanding how to depict fabric folds and drapery with light and shadow. It also provides practice in creating a sense of depth and atmosphere in the background.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 25 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Sketch the basic composition, focusing on the figure's proportions and placement on the canvas.
step 02
Block in the main areas of color, starting with the background and then moving to the figure's dress and skin.
step 03
Begin to refine the figure's features, paying close attention to the light and shadow on the face.
step 04
Develop the folds and drapery of the dress, using a variety of brushstrokes to create texture and depth.
step 05
Add details to the background, such as the column and the landscape.
step 06
Refine the overall composition, adjusting colors and values as needed.
step 07
Add final highlights and details to the figure's face and dress.
step 08
Glaze to unify the painting and add depth.

color palette

primary · titanium white · ivory black · raw umber · burnt sienna

secondary · ultramarine blue · cadmium yellow light · alizarin crimson

Mix various shades of white with small amounts of raw umber and burnt sienna to create the subtle tones of the dress. Use alizarin crimson and burnt sienna for the red fabric, and ultramarine blue and white for the background sky.

techniques