plate no. 2304

Night

Ivan Marchuk, 1981

oilMagic Realismlandscapenightmoonlandscapevillagewatersky

experienced study

Recreating this painting will help students develop patience and control in applying small, repetitive brushstrokes to build texture and form. It also emphasizes understanding of atmospheric perspective and creating a sense of depth through subtle color variations.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 20 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Prepare the canvas with a dark underpainting (e.g., dark blue or brown).
step 02
Sketch the basic composition: horizon line, river, village, and moon position.
step 03
Begin applying small, comma-like brushstrokes to create the texture of the sky, starting with the area around the moon and working outwards.
step 04
Use a similar technique to build up the texture of the water, varying the color and direction of the strokes to suggest movement.
step 05
Define the shapes of the village and surrounding landscape with darker values and more defined brushstrokes.
step 06
Add highlights to the moon, water, and rooftops to create a sense of light and reflection.
step 07
Refine the details of the village, adding small windows and other features.
step 08
Adjust the overall color balance and value contrast to achieve the desired mood.

color palette

primary · ultramarine blue · yellow ochre · titanium white

secondary · viridian green · burnt umber

Mix ultramarine blue and burnt umber for the dark sky. Use yellow ochre and white for the moon and highlights. Mix viridian green with blue and white for the water.

techniques