plate no. 7360

Sayat-Nova

Eduard Isabekyan, 1964

oil, canvasSymbolismportraitfigureportraitmusicianinstrumenttablepeople

experienced study

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in portraiture, including capturing likeness and rendering fabric folds, as well as understanding atmospheric perspective and creating a sense of depth through color and value.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 20 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Sketch the basic composition, focusing on the placement of the figure and the table.
step 02
Establish the main light source and map out the areas of light and shadow.
step 03
Block in the large shapes of color, starting with the background and then moving to the figure's clothing.
step 04
Begin to refine the details of the face, paying attention to the proportions and features.
step 05
Develop the folds and textures of the clothing, using a variety of brushstrokes.
step 06
Add details to the instrument and the surrounding figures at the table.
step 07
Adjust the values and colors to create a sense of depth and atmosphere.
step 08
Add final highlights and details to complete the painting.

color palette

primary · burnt umber · cadmium red · yellow ochre

secondary · ultramarine blue · titanium white · raw sienna

Achieve the warm, earthy tones by mixing burnt umber with cadmium red and yellow ochre. Use ultramarine blue to create cooler shadows and to neutralize the warm colors.

techniques