plate no. 6801

The Countess of Saint Hippolyte

Zinaida Serebriakova, 1942

oilExpressionismportraitportraitfiguredresschairwomanface

experienced study

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in portraiture, color mixing for skin tones, and creating soft, blended effects with pastel or similar media. It also encourages observation of subtle color variations and the use of expressive lines.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 15 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Lightly sketch the basic shapes and proportions of the figure and chair.
step 02
Establish the main areas of light and shadow using a light value pastel or charcoal.
step 03
Begin layering in skin tones, starting with mid-tones and gradually adding highlights and shadows.
step 04
Block in the colors of the dress, focusing on the overall pattern and color relationships.
step 05
Develop the background with soft, blended colors, suggesting depth and atmosphere.
step 06
Refine the details of the face, paying attention to the eyes, nose, and mouth.
step 07
Add final touches and highlights to the dress and chair.
step 08
Soften edges and blend colors as needed to create a cohesive and harmonious image.

color palette

primary · flesh tones (various) · rose · brown · blue

secondary · orange · purple · yellow

Skin tones are achieved by mixing various shades of rose, brown, yellow, and white. The dress colors are created by layering and blending different hues of orange, purple, and blue.

techniques

·blending
·layering
·scumbling
·color mixing
·hatching

common pitfalls

→Overworking the details and losing the overall softness.
→Using colors that are too saturated or intense.
→Failing to establish a strong value structure.
→Not paying attention to the proportions of the figure.

materials

surface · Pastel paper or sanded paper

required

·Pastel sticks (various colors)
·Pastel paper or sanded paper
·Blending stumps or tortillions
·Kneaded eraser
·Fixative spray
·Charcoal pencil
·Soft cloth
·Workable fixative

optional

·Palette knife
·Easel
·Reference photo print

Choose a pastel paper with a slightly textured surface to allow for multiple layers of pastel. A workable fixative is helpful to set layers and prevent smudging.

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