plate no. 5887
Untitled
Ivan Kramskoy, 1882
some experience helpful
Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in portraiture, including capturing likeness and rendering realistic skin tones. It also provides practice in layering and blending to create subtle variations in color and value.
technical profile
palette complexity
3
brushwork visibility
4
value contrast
3
compositional simplicity
4
study guide
est. 20 hrsapproach — 8 steps
- step 01
Sketch the basic proportions and pose of the figure, paying attention to the placement of the head, shoulders, and limbs.
- step 02
Block in the main shapes of the background, clothing, and skin tones using thin washes of color.
- step 03
Start building up the values and details in the face, focusing on the eyes, nose, and mouth.
- step 04
Develop the details of the clothing, paying attention to the folds and shadows.
- step 05
Refine the background, adding subtle variations in color and texture.
- step 06
Add highlights and details to the hair and beard.
- step 07
Adjust the overall composition and values to create a sense of depth and realism.
- step 08
Add final details and glazes to unify the painting.
color palette
primary · ivory black · raw umber · burnt umber · titanium white
secondary · alizarin crimson · yellow ochre · ultramarine blue
Mix various shades of gray and brown by combining ivory black, raw umber, and titanium white. Use alizarin crimson and yellow ochre to create warm skin tones. Add ultramarine blue to darken shadows and create cool tones.
techniques
- ·layering
- ·blending
- ·scumbling
- ·dry brushing
- ·glazing
common pitfalls
- →Getting the proportions wrong in the initial sketch.
- →Overworking the details too early in the process.
- →Creating muddy or dull colors by overmixing.
- →Failing to capture the likeness of the subject.
materials
surface · stretched canvas
required
- ·stretched canvas 18x24
- ·ivory black oil paint
- ·raw umber oil paint
- ·burnt umber oil paint
- ·titanium white oil paint
- ·alizarin crimson oil paint
- ·yellow ochre oil paint
- ·round brushes (sizes 2, 4, 6)
optional
- ·palette knife
- ·linseed oil
- ·turpentine
- ·medium gloss
Use high-quality oil paints for best results. Pre-toned canvas with a neutral gray can be helpful.
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