plate no. 5058

Dokšycy, 18 July 1812

oilRomanticismcityscapebuildingsfigureshorsessmokeskylandscape

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in atmospheric perspective and rendering figures in motion. It also offers practice in depicting architectural details and smoke effects.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 15 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Sketch the basic composition, focusing on the placement of the buildings and figures.
step 02
Establish the horizon line and vanishing points to ensure accurate perspective.
step 03
Block in the main shapes of the buildings and the sky with diluted washes of color.
step 04
Add the darker values for the smoke and shadows to create depth.
step 05
Begin layering in details on the buildings, such as windows and architectural elements.
step 06
Paint the figures, paying attention to their poses and proportions.
step 07
Add details to the horses and other foreground elements.
step 08
Refine the colors and values, adding highlights and shadows to create a sense of realism.

color palette

primary · ivory black · raw umber · yellow ochre

secondary · cerulean blue · burnt sienna · cadmium red light

Mix various shades of gray and brown for the buildings and landscape. Use blue and white to create the sky, and mix red and yellow for the fire and highlights.

techniques