plate no. 9800

Salome Andronnikova

Boris Grigoriev, 1924

oilExpressionismportraitfigureportraitdresshatbooksinterior

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in portraiture, color mixing for skin tones and fabric, and understanding simplified form and composition. It also provides practice in creating a sense of depth through subtle value changes.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 12 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Lightly sketch the basic shapes and proportions of the figure and background.
step 02
Establish the main color blocks: the red dress, the pink couch, the grey background, and the skin tones.
step 03
Begin layering in the mid-tones and shadows, focusing on the planes of the face and the folds of the dress.
step 04
Mix and apply the skin tones, paying attention to subtle variations in color and value.
step 05
Add details to the face, hat, and books, refining the shapes and edges.
step 06
Refine the background and couch, adding subtle variations in color and texture.
step 07
Add highlights to the dress, face, and other areas to create a sense of depth.
step 08
Make final adjustments to the colors, values, and details to achieve a cohesive and balanced composition.

color palette

primary · red · grey · pink · flesh tones

secondary · white · black · yellow ochre

Mix the skin tones using white, yellow ochre, and a touch of red. Achieve the red dress color by mixing a vibrant red with a touch of brown or black to create depth. The pink couch is a mix of red and white, with subtle variations achieved by adding small amounts of grey or yellow.

techniques