plate no. 4221

Dnipro River

oilRealismlandscaperiverhousestreesskylandscapefigures

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in atmospheric perspective and rendering textures using visible brushstrokes. Students can also learn how to simplify complex scenes into manageable shapes and values.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 10 hrs

approach — 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