plate no. 0395
Woman's Head (Emily L. Prahova)
Mikhail Vrubel, 1884
study guide
est. 6 hrsapproach — 8 steps
- step 01
Lightly sketch the basic shapes of the head and facial features, paying attention to proportions.
- step 02
Refine the sketch, adding details to the eyes, nose, and mouth.
- step 03
Begin shading with a pencil, focusing on areas of shadow to create depth.
- step 04
Use cross-hatching to build up darker values in the hair and under the chin.
- step 05
Mix a reddish-brown color for the head covering.
- step 06
Apply the reddish-brown color to the head covering, blending it slightly.
- step 07
Add a touch of a lighter, ochre color to the head covering to suggest highlights.
- step 08
Refine the overall sketch, adding any final details or adjustments.
color palette
primary · reddish-brown · ochre · graphite
secondary · paper background color
Mix the reddish-brown by combining a red earth pigment (like Venetian Red) with a touch of brown. Add white to create the ochre highlight.
techniques
- ·sketching
- ·shading
- ·cross-hatching
- ·limited palette
- ·blending
common pitfalls
- →Incorrect proportions of facial features.
- →Overworking the shading, resulting in a muddy appearance.
- →Using too much color, overpowering the sketch.
- →Failing to capture the subtle expression of the subject.
materials
surface · sketch paper
required
- ·Sketch paper
- ·Graphite pencils (HB, 2B, 4B)
- ·Reddish-brown oil paint
- ·Ochre oil paint
- ·Small round brush
- ·Palette
- ·Odorless mineral spirits
optional
- ·Kneaded eraser
- ·Blending stump
- ·Palette knife
Use a smooth sketch paper for best results. A variety of graphite pencils will allow for a wider range of values.
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