plate no. 6720

Blue House

Boris Kustodiev, 1920

oilArt Nouveau (Modern)cityscapehousefigurestreesskybalconywindows

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in color mixing to achieve subtle variations and layering techniques to create depth and texture in foliage and architectural details.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 15 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Sketch the basic shapes of the house, figures, and surrounding landscape, paying attention to perspective.
step 02
Establish the main color blocks for the sky, house, foliage, and ground.
step 03
Begin layering colors to create depth and variation within each area, focusing on the subtle shifts in hue and value.
step 04
Add details to the figures, including clothing, facial features, and gestures.
step 05
Refine the architectural details of the house, such as windows, shutters, and the balcony.
step 06
Develop the texture of the foliage using broken brushstrokes and varied greens.
step 07
Add the smaller details like the birds, flowers, and objects on the balcony.
step 08
Make final adjustments to the overall composition, ensuring a harmonious balance of color and form.

color palette

primary · cerulean blue · lemon yellow · rose madder

secondary · sap green · burnt umber · titanium white

Achieve the blues of the house by mixing cerulean blue with white and touches of rose madder. Create the greens by mixing lemon yellow and cerulean blue, adjusting the ratio for different shades. Use white to lighten colors and create highlights.

techniques