plate no. 0031

Finland

Yuriy Khymych, 1972

gouachePost-Impressionismcityscapebuildingscityscapeskyarchitecturestreetstones

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students practice simplifying complex forms into basic shapes and using a limited color palette to create a cohesive scene. It also provides practice in rendering textures with visible brushstrokes.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 8 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Lightly sketch the basic shapes of the buildings and the overall composition.
step 02
Block in the main colors for the sky, buildings, and ground using thin washes.
step 03
Add darker values to define the shadows and create depth.
step 04
Refine the shapes of the buildings and add details like windows and doors.
step 05
Use thicker paint and visible brushstrokes to create texture in the sky and ground.
step 06
Add highlights to the buildings and ground to create contrast.
step 07
Paint the small details like the weather vanes and the plants.
step 08
Make final adjustments to the colors and values to achieve the desired effect.

color palette

primary · grayish blue · tan · brown

secondary · white · orange · green

Mix the various shades of brown and tan by combining burnt umber, yellow ochre, and white. The grayish blue is likely a mix of ultramarine blue, black, and white.

techniques