plate no. 8217

Bolshaya Neva

canvas, oilRealismcityscaperiverbuildingsskyfiguresboatscityscape

some experience helpful

This painting provides a good opportunity to practice atmospheric perspective and rendering reflections in water. Students can also develop skills in depicting distant architectural details and figures.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 12 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Sketch the basic composition, focusing on the horizon line and major shapes.
step 02
Block in the sky with a thin wash of yellow ochre and white, blending softly.
step 03
Establish the values of the water, using darker tones near the foreground and lighter tones towards the horizon.
step 04
Paint the distant buildings and architectural details, using muted colors and soft edges.
step 05
Add the figures on the pier, paying attention to their relative sizes and positions.
step 06
Refine the details of the boats and reflections in the water.
step 07
Add highlights to the sky and water to create a sense of light and atmosphere.
step 08
Glaze with thin layers of color to unify the painting and enhance the overall mood.

color palette

primary · yellow ochre · titanium white · burnt umber

secondary · ultramarine blue · raw sienna · ivory black

Mix yellow ochre and white for the sky, adding a touch of blue for cooler tones. Use burnt umber and blue for the darker areas of the water and buildings. Raw sienna can be used to create the warm tones in the buildings and pier.

techniques

·atmospheric perspective
·glazing
·scumbling
·wet-on-dry blending
·rendering reflections

common pitfalls

→Overworking the details in the distant buildings.
→Creating too much contrast in the water, making it appear unnatural.
→Failing to establish a clear sense of atmospheric perspective.
→Using colors that are too saturated, resulting in a painting that looks artificial.