plate no. 3086

Leningrad Evening

oilExpressionismcityscapecityscapebuildingswaterbridgearchitecturecanal

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in simplifying complex scenes into basic shapes and using bold, expressive lines to create texture and form. It also provides practice in color blocking and creating a sense of depth through layering.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 8 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Lightly sketch the basic shapes of the buildings, bridge, and canal, focusing on the overall composition.
step 02
Divide the painting into distinct color areas: yellow/orange for buildings, red/pink for accents, black for outlines, and white for highlights.
step 03
Begin filling in the largest areas with the yellow/orange color, using bold, visible brushstrokes.
step 04
Add the red/pink accents to the bridge, buildings, and water reflections.
step 05
Outline the shapes with black, varying the thickness of the lines to create visual interest.
step 06
Add white highlights to the water and buildings to create a sense of light and reflection.
step 07
Refine the details, such as the windows and architectural elements, using smaller brushes and precise strokes.
step 08
Step back and assess the overall balance and harmony of the painting, making any necessary adjustments.

color palette

primary · yellow ochre · black · white

secondary · cadmium red light · light pink

Mix yellow ochre with small amounts of cadmium red to achieve the various shades of orange. Use white to lighten the yellow and create highlights. Mix red and white for pink accents.

techniques