plate no. 8475

Lieutenant Vasily Mirovich at the corpse of John VI Antonovich on July 5, 1764 in the Shlisselburg Fortress

oil, canvasRealismhistory paintingfiguressoldiershistorical eventdeathinteriorweapons

experienced study

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in figure drawing, rendering complex drapery, and creating a dramatic atmosphere through value and color.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 30 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Create a rough sketch to establish the composition and placement of figures.
step 02
Block in the main shapes and colors, focusing on the overall value structure.
step 03
Develop the background and surrounding environment with loose brushstrokes.
step 04
Refine the figures, paying attention to anatomy, clothing, and facial expressions.
step 05
Add details to the weapons, clothing, and other elements.
step 06
Work on the drapery, capturing the folds and highlights.
step 07
Adjust the lighting and shadows to enhance the drama.
step 08
Add final touches and details to complete the painting.

color palette

primary · burnt umber · raw sienna · ivory black · titanium white

secondary · cadmium red · ultramarine blue · yellow ochre

Use burnt umber and ivory black to create dark shadows. Mix raw sienna and titanium white for highlights. Add small amounts of cadmium red and ultramarine blue to create variations in skin tones and clothing.

techniques

·chiaroscuro
·glazing
·scumbling
·dry brushing
·figure drawing

common pitfalls

→Getting lost in details too early.
→Not establishing a strong value structure.
→Overworking the painting and losing the loose brushstrokes.
→Incorrect proportions of figures.

materials

surface · stretched canvas

required

·stretched canvas 24x36
·oil paints (burnt umber, raw sienna, ivory black, titanium white, cadmium red, ultramarine blue, yellow ochre)
·palette
·palette knife
·assorted brushes (round, flat, filbert)
·linseed oil
·turpentine
·rags