plate no. 5185
Collecting Arrears
Alexei Korzukhin, 1868
some experience helpful
Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in figure drawing, composition, and creating a sense of depth through atmospheric perspective. It also provides practice in rendering realistic textures and details.
technical profile
palette complexity
4
brushwork visibility
3
value contrast
3
compositional simplicity
2
study guide
est. 25 hrsapproach — 8 steps
- step 01
Create a preliminary sketch to establish the composition and proportions of the figures and landscape elements.
- step 02
Block in the main shapes and colors using thin washes of paint, focusing on the overall value structure.
- step 03
Develop the background elements, paying attention to atmospheric perspective and softening details in the distance.
- step 04
Begin refining the figures, starting with the largest shapes and gradually adding details and highlights.
- step 05
Work on the textures of the clothing, architecture, and ground, using a variety of brushstrokes and techniques.
- step 06
Pay close attention to the light and shadow patterns, adjusting values to create a sense of depth and volume.
- step 07
Add final details and highlights to bring the painting to life.
- step 08
Step back and assess the overall balance and harmony of the painting, making any necessary adjustments.
color palette
primary · raw umber · yellow ochre · titanium white · Prussian blue
secondary · cadmium red · burnt sienna · ivory black
Mix muted earth tones by combining primary colors with burnt sienna and raw umber. Use white to lighten values and create subtle color variations.
techniques
- ·underpainting
- ·glazing
- ·scumbling
- ·dry brushing
- ·atmospheric perspective
common pitfalls
- →Getting the proportions of the figures wrong.
- →Overworking the details and losing the overall sense of harmony.
- →Failing to create a convincing sense of depth.
- →Using colors that are too bright or saturated.
materials
surface · stretched canvas
required
- ·Stretched canvas (18x24 inches)
- ·Oil paints (raw umber, yellow ochre, titanium white, Prussian blue, cadmium red, burnt sienna, ivory black)
- ·Palette
- ·Assorted brushes (round, flat, filbert)
- ·Linseed oil
- ·Turpentine or mineral spirits
- ·Palette knife
- ·Rags or paper towels
optional
- ·medium gloss
- ·retouch varnish
- ·easel
Use high-quality oil paints for best results. Prepare the canvas with gesso before painting.
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