plate no. 8733

Iconostasis

Horia Bernea, 1988

oilExpressionisminteriorinteriorchurchiconostasischandeliercurtainscandles

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in depicting complex spatial arrangements and working with a limited, muted color palette to create a somber mood. Students will also practice capturing the textures of different materials with visible brushstrokes.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 8 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Sketch the basic shapes and proportions of the iconostasis, chandelier, and other elements.
step 02
Establish the overall dark value of the background and gradually build up lighter areas.
step 03
Block in the main colors of the curtains, columns, and other objects, focusing on value relationships.
step 04
Add details to the chandelier and other decorative elements, using small brushstrokes.
step 05
Refine the shapes and values of the curtains, paying attention to the folds and shadows.
step 06
Introduce subtle color variations to create depth and interest.
step 07
Add highlights to the candles and other light sources to create a sense of illumination.
step 08
Review and adjust the painting as needed to achieve a cohesive and expressive result.

color palette

primary · ivory black · raw umber · titanium white

secondary · cadmium red light · yellow ochre

Mix various shades of gray and brown by combining ivory black, raw umber, and titanium white. Use small amounts of cadmium red light and yellow ochre to create subtle color variations and highlights.

techniques