plate no. 7321

Ivan the Terrible

Andrei Ryabushkin, 1903

oil, canvasRomanticismhistory paintingfigureshistorical sceneinteriorroyaltycavedrama

experienced study

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in depicting figures in dramatic lighting and creating a sense of depth through atmospheric perspective. It also provides practice in rendering textures and details with visible brushstrokes.

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 and proportions of the figures.
step 02
Establish the dark background using a mix of blues, browns, and blacks.
step 03
Block in the main areas of color for each figure, paying attention to the light source.
step 04
Develop the highlights and shadows on the figures to create form and volume.
step 05
Add details to the clothing and faces, using smaller brushes.
step 06
Refine the background and add atmospheric effects to create depth.
step 07
Glaze thin layers of color to unify the painting and enhance the mood.
step 08
Add final highlights and details to complete the painting.

color palette

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

secondary · titanium white · ivory black · raw sienna

Achieve the greenish-yellow hues by mixing yellow ochre with small amounts of ultramarine blue and white. Create the dark, rich tones by blending burnt umber, ultramarine blue, and black.

techniques

·chiaroscuro
·glazing
·scumbling
·dry brushing
·alla prima

common pitfalls

→Overworking the details too early in the process.
→Failing to establish a strong value structure.
→Using colors that are too saturated.
→Ignoring the atmospheric perspective.

materials

surface · stretched canvas

required

·stretched canvas 18x24
·oil paints (yellow ochre, burnt umber, ultramarine blue, cadmium red, titanium white, ivory black, raw sienna)
·linseed oil
·turpentine or odorless mineral spirits
·assorted brushes (round and flat)
·palette
·palette knife
·rags