plate no. 1212

The poet Zinaida Gippius

Leon Bakst, 1906

oilArt Nouveau (Modern)portraitfigureportraitchairclothingmalecostume

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in figure drawing, capturing subtle tonal variations, and creating a sense of depth using a limited color palette. It also provides practice in depicting fabric and textures.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 12 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Begin with a light sketch of the overall composition, focusing on the proportions and pose of the figure and the placement of the chair.
step 02
Establish the background with a thin wash of yellow ochre, allowing some areas to remain lighter for highlights.
step 03
Block in the main shapes of the figure's clothing with diluted washes of black and gray, paying attention to the folds and drapery.
step 04
Gradually build up the darker values in the clothing and hair, using hatching and cross-hatching to create texture and depth.
step 05
Add the highlights on the clothing and face with white or a very light tint of yellow.
step 06
Refine the details of the face, paying attention to the subtle shadows and highlights that define the features.
step 07
Paint the chair with a light wash of yellow ochre and add subtle shadows to give it form.
step 08
Add final details, such as the ruffles on the shirt and the details on the shoes.

color palette

primary · yellow ochre · black · white · gray

secondary · raw umber · burnt sienna

Mix black and white to create various shades of gray. Use yellow ochre as a base for the background and to create warm highlights. Add small amounts of raw umber or burnt sienna to the grays to create subtle variations in tone.

techniques