plate no. 2094

Karlovsko Palace

Nikola Tanev, 1932

oilPost-Impressionismcityscapebuildingfiguresshadowstreesfoliagearchitecture

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students understand how to capture light and shadow effectively and how to simplify complex scenes into manageable shapes and color blocks. It also provides practice in creating depth through color temperature and value changes.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 8 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Lightly sketch the main shapes: the building, trees, and figures, focusing on proportions and placement.
step 02
Block in the large areas of color, starting with the background and working forward.
step 03
Establish the light and shadow patterns on the building and ground, using contrasting values.
step 04
Mix and apply the colors for the foliage, paying attention to the variations in green and the effects of light.
step 05
Add details to the figures and architectural elements, keeping them simple and suggestive.
step 06
Refine the edges of the shadows and shapes to create a sense of depth and atmosphere.
step 07
Add final highlights and details to enhance the overall impression.
step 08
Step back and assess the painting, making any necessary adjustments to color, value, and composition.

color palette

primary · yellow ochre · ultramarine blue · burnt umber · titanium white

secondary · cadmium red · sap green · raw sienna

Mix shades of grey for the building by combining white, umber, and a touch of blue. Achieve the warm shadows by mixing umber, ochre, and a hint of red. Vary the greens by adding yellow or blue.

techniques

·blocking in
·broken color
·scumbling
·layering
·impasto

common pitfalls

→Overworking the details, which can detract from the overall impression.
→Failing to establish a strong value contrast, which can make the painting look flat.
→Using colors straight from the tube without mixing, which can result in a harsh and unnatural look.
→Ignoring the effects of light and shadow on the colors, which can make the painting look unrealistic.

materials

surface · stretched canvas

required

·Stretched canvas (12x16 inches)
·Oil paints (yellow ochre, ultramarine blue, burnt umber, titanium white, cadmium red, sap green)
·Palette
·Palette knife
·Assorted brushes (flat and round)
·Odorless mineral spirits
·Linseed oil
·Rags