plate no. 1929

The bird had flown

Ivan Tvorozhnikov, 1917

oil, canvasRealismportraitportraitgirlbasketclothingfigurehair

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in portraiture, particularly capturing likeness and expression, and in rendering textures of clothing and hair using visible brushstrokes.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 12 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Sketch the basic shapes and proportions of the figure, focusing on the head, shoulders, and the position of the basket.
step 02
Establish the background with broad strokes, creating a dark-to-light gradient.
step 03
Block in the main colors of the skin, hair, clothing, and basket, paying attention to the overall value structure.
step 04
Refine the facial features, focusing on the eyes, nose, and mouth to capture the subject's expression.
step 05
Develop the details of the hair, using loose brushstrokes to suggest texture and volume.
step 06
Add details to the clothing, including folds, buttons, and the texture of the fabric.
step 07
Render the basket and its contents, paying attention to the interplay of light and shadow.
step 08
Add final highlights and shadows to enhance the sense of depth and form.

color palette

primary · burnt umber · titanium white · cadmium red

secondary · yellow ochre · ultramarine blue

Mix browns and grays using burnt umber, white, and small amounts of blue and red. Achieve skin tones by mixing white, red, yellow ochre, and a touch of umber.

techniques