plate no. 4221
Dnipro River
Mykola Murashko, 1899
study guide
est. 10 hrsapproach — 8 steps
- step 01
Sketch the basic composition, focusing on the placement of the houses, river, and horizon line.
- step 02
Block in the main color areas: sky, water, land, and trees, using thin washes.
- step 03
Establish the basic value structure, paying attention to light and shadow on the houses and land.
- step 04
Start adding details to the houses, trees, and foreground, using thicker paint and visible brushstrokes.
- step 05
Develop the textures of the grass, trees, and rooftops with varied brushwork.
- step 06
Refine the sky and water, adding subtle color variations and atmospheric effects.
- step 07
Add the figures and other small details to the foreground.
- step 08
Make final adjustments to the values and colors to create a sense of depth and realism.
color palette
primary · ultramarine blue · raw umber · titanium white · yellow ochre
secondary · burnt sienna · sap green
Mix greens by combining yellow ochre and ultramarine blue, and adjust the hue with white or burnt sienna. Achieve atmospheric perspective by lightening and desaturating colors as they recede into the distance.
techniques
- ·dry brushing
- ·scumbling
- ·atmospheric perspective
- ·broken color
- ·alla prima
common pitfalls
- →Overworking the details and losing the freshness of the brushstrokes.
- →Failing to establish a clear value structure.
- →Using colors that are too saturated, especially in the background.
- →Ignoring the effects of atmospheric perspective.
materials
surface · stretched canvas
required
- ·stretched canvas
- ·oil paints
- ·palette
- ·palette knife
- ·assorted brushes (round and flat)
- ·linseed oil
- ·turpentine or odorless mineral spirits
- ·rags
optional
- ·painting medium
- ·varnish
Use a medium-tooth canvas to allow for good paint adhesion and texture.
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