plate no. 3982
Monk Christopher with Christ near the river
Jury Annenkov, 1917
some experience helpful
Recreating this painting will help students understand color temperature relationships and how to simplify complex forms into geometric shapes. It also provides practice in creating a cohesive color scheme using a limited palette.
technical profile
palette complexity
3
brushwork visibility
4
value contrast
3
compositional simplicity
3
study guide
est. 8 hrsapproach — 8 steps
- step 01
Lightly sketch the main shapes and figures, focusing on their geometric structure.
- step 02
Block in the large areas of color, starting with the background.
- step 03
Refine the shapes of the figures and building, adding details.
- step 04
Mix and apply the various shades of red, brown, and green, paying attention to value changes.
- step 05
Add the darker outlines to define the forms.
- step 06
Introduce the blue accents in the river area.
- step 07
Refine the details and edges, softening some and sharpening others.
- step 08
Add final touches and highlights.
color palette
primary · red · brown · green
secondary · blue · yellow
Achieve the various shades of red by mixing it with brown, yellow, and white. Create the greens by mixing blue and yellow, and adjust the tone with red or brown.
techniques
- ·blocking in
- ·geometric abstraction
- ·color mixing
- ·outlining
- ·simplification
common pitfalls
- →Overcomplicating the shapes.
- →Using too many colors.
- →Ignoring value changes.
- →Making the outlines too heavy.
- →Not simplifying the forms enough.
materials
surface · stretched canvas
required
- ·stretched canvas
- ·acrylic or oil paints
- ·round brushes
- ·flat brushes
- ·palette
- ·palette knife
- ·linseed oil (if using oil paints)
optional
- ·medium gloss
- ·easel
Use a medium-grain canvas for best results. Acrylics will dry faster, while oils allow for more blending time.
tips & new artworks in your inbox
no spam — unsubscribe anytime.
or to save artworks, chat, and track progress
