plate no. 1076

Volkov's Family. Group Portrait of M.S.Volkov, S.N.Volkova and S.M.Volkov-Manzei

oilRomanticismportraitportraitfamilyfiguresclothingflowersbeard

experienced study

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in portraiture, including capturing likeness and rendering realistic skin tones, as well as practicing techniques for depicting fabric and textures.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 30 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Sketch the basic shapes and proportions of the figures, paying attention to their relative positions.
step 02
Establish the background with broad, blended strokes of warm browns and ochres.
step 03
Block in the main areas of color for the skin tones, clothing, and hair.
step 04
Refine the facial features, focusing on accurate proportions and subtle value changes.
step 05
Add details to the clothing, including the lace, fur, and bow, using layering and glazing techniques.
step 06
Paint the flowers, capturing their delicate forms and colors.
step 07
Develop the background further, adding subtle variations in color and texture.
step 08
Add final highlights and shadows to enhance the sense of depth and realism.

color palette

primary · ivory black · raw umber · burnt sienna · titanium white

secondary · alizarin crimson · ultramarine blue · yellow ochre

Achieve skin tones by mixing white, burnt sienna, and a touch of alizarin crimson. Use ultramarine blue and burnt sienna to create neutral browns and grays for shadows.

techniques