plate no. 2667
In the small dock
Sergey Ryabchenko, 1960
some experience helpful
Recreating this linocut-style painting will help students understand layering of colors and creating depth through simplified shapes and values. It also provides practice in capturing reflections in water.
technical profile
palette complexity
2
brushwork visibility
2
value contrast
3
compositional simplicity
3
study guide
est. 8 hrsapproach — 7 steps
- step 01
Lightly sketch the main shapes of the boats, buildings, and water line.
- step 02
Block in the sky with a light, neutral color.
- step 03
Apply the darkest values to the boats and reflections, focusing on the overall shapes.
- step 04
Add the mid-tone colors to the buildings and water, creating subtle variations.
- step 05
Define the details of the boats and buildings with darker lines and shapes.
- step 06
Add the smoke and highlights using white or a very light gray.
- step 07
Refine the reflections in the water, paying attention to the distortion and color variations.
color palette
primary · black · burnt sienna · gray
secondary · light green · white
Mix the gray by combining black and white. Add small amounts of burnt sienna to the gray for warmer tones. The light green for the water can be achieved by mixing gray with a touch of green.
techniques
- ·flat color application
- ·layering
- ·creating reflections
- ·simplified shapes
common pitfalls
- →overworking the details
- →making the reflections too symmetrical
- →using too many colors
- →not establishing a clear value structure
materials
surface · stretched canvas
required
- ·canvas or paper
- ·acrylic or oil paints
- ·flat brushes
- ·palette
- ·water or solvent
- ·pencil
optional
- ·palette knife
- ·medium (for oils)
- ·easel
Using a limited palette will help to achieve the muted tones of the original painting. Consider using a toned canvas for a head start on the background color.
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