plate no. 9917

Girls lightened by sun

Vladimir Makovsky, 1901

oilRealismgenre paintingfigureschildrenflowerslandscapefolkloresunlight

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in capturing light and shadow, as well as depicting figures in a naturalistic setting. It also provides practice in rendering details like flowers and clothing with expressive brushstrokes.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 12 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Lightly sketch the main shapes and figures, paying attention to proportions and composition.
step 02
Block in the background with broad strokes, focusing on the overall color and value.
step 03
Establish the main light and shadow patterns on the figures, using a limited palette.
step 04
Develop the details of the faces, clothing, and flower crowns, adding subtle color variations.
step 05
Refine the background, adding details to the trees and foliage.
step 06
Add highlights and reflections to create a sense of depth and atmosphere.
step 07
Pay attention to the edges of shapes, softening some and sharpening others to create visual interest.
step 08
Step back and assess the overall balance and harmony of the painting, making any necessary adjustments.

color palette

primary · yellow ochre · burnt umber · titanium white · cadmium red

secondary · viridian green · ultramarine blue · alizarin crimson

Mix various shades of green by combining yellow ochre, viridian green, and ultramarine blue. Achieve skin tones by blending titanium white, cadmium red, and yellow ochre, with small amounts of burnt umber for shadows.

techniques

·alla prima
·broken color
·scumbling
·impasto
·glazing

common pitfalls

→Overworking the details and losing the freshness of the brushstrokes.
→Failing to establish a strong value structure, resulting in a flat and lifeless painting.
→Using colors straight from the tube without mixing them properly.
→Ignoring the importance of edges and creating overly defined shapes.