plate no. 1147

Italian Comedy 1

Konstantin Somov, 1914

oilSymbolismgenre paintingfiguresgardennightcostumesfoliagearchitecture

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in figure painting, color mixing for atmospheric effects, and creating depth through layering and value control. The use of patterns on the costumes offers a good opportunity to practice detail work.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 20 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Sketch the basic composition, focusing on the placement of figures and architectural elements.
step 02
Establish the background with dark blues and greens, creating a sense of night.
step 03
Block in the main shapes of the figures and their costumes with simplified color blocks.
step 04
Develop the colors and patterns of the costumes, paying attention to the light and shadow.
step 05
Add details to the faces and hands, capturing the expressions of the figures.
step 06
Paint the foliage and flowers in the foreground, using a variety of greens, blues, and reds.
step 07
Refine the architectural details, adding highlights and shadows to create depth.
step 08
Add final details, such as the stars in the sky and the highlights on the costumes.

color palette

primary · ultramarine blue · burnt umber · cadmium red · yellow ochre

secondary · viridian green · titanium white · alizarin crimson

Mix dark greens by combining ultramarine blue, burnt umber, and a touch of yellow ochre. Achieve the skin tones by mixing titanium white, cadmium red, and yellow ochre. Create the various costume colors by mixing primary colors with white to achieve desired tints.

techniques