plate no. 6087

Military Parade of Emperor Paul in front of Mikhailovsky Castle

Alexandre Benois, 1907

oilArt Nouveau (Modern)history paintingmilitaryparadebuildingsnowfigureshorses

experienced study

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in depicting atmospheric perspective and rendering complex architectural details with a limited color palette. It will also improve their ability to paint figures in motion and create a sense of depth in a crowded scene.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 15 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Lightly sketch the main shapes: the building, the figures, and the horizon line.
step 02
Establish the basic color washes for the sky and snow-covered ground.
step 03
Block in the main forms of the building with light and dark values.
step 04
Add details to the building, focusing on the columns and architectural elements.
step 05
Paint the figures in the foreground, paying attention to their poses and clothing.
step 06
Add the figures in the background, simplifying their forms to create depth.
step 07
Create the effect of falling snow using small, light-colored brushstrokes.
step 08
Add final details and highlights to enhance the overall composition.

color palette

primary · ivory black · burnt sienna · titanium white

secondary · cadmium red light · ultramarine blue

Mix various shades of gray and brown by combining black, white, and burnt sienna. Use small amounts of red and blue to create subtle color variations in the figures and building.

techniques