plate no. 9494
Funeral of Firstborn
Mykola Yaroshenko, 1893
study guide
est. 15 hrsapproach — 8 steps
- step 01
Sketch the basic composition, focusing on the placement of the figures and the horizon line.
- step 02
Block in the large areas of color: the sky, snow, and the dark masses of the figures and trees.
- step 03
Establish the light source and begin to model the forms with subtle value changes.
- step 04
Develop the atmospheric perspective by making distant elements lighter and less detailed.
- step 05
Refine the details of the figures, paying attention to their expressions and clothing.
- step 06
Add the details of the cemetery and the snow-covered trees.
- step 07
Glaze the painting with thin layers of color to unify the composition and enhance the mood.
- step 08
Add final highlights and shadows to create depth and dimension.
color palette
primary · ultramarine blue · titanium white · burnt umber
secondary · yellow ochre · cadmium red · ivory black
Achieve the snow color by mixing white with small amounts of blue, umber, and ochre. Create the atmospheric perspective by adding more white to the colors as they recede into the distance.
techniques
- ·atmospheric perspective
- ·color mixing for snow
- ·glazing
- ·scumbling
- ·alla prima
common pitfalls
- →Overworking the details too early in the process.
- →Making the snow too white and lacking in color variation.
- →Failing to create a sense of depth and atmosphere.
- →Ignoring the subtle value changes that create form.
materials
surface · stretched canvas
required
- ·stretched canvas 18x24
- ·oil paints
- ·palette
- ·palette knife
- ·assorted brushes (round and flat)
- ·linseed oil
- ·turpentine
- ·rags
optional
- ·painting medium
- ·varnish
- ·easel
Use a medium-grain canvas for best results. Consider using a limited palette to simplify the color mixing process.
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