plate no. 8417
Old Vilno
Mstislav Dobuzhinsky, 1910
some experience helpful
Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in perspective drawing, color mixing to achieve muted tones, and layering to create depth. It's a good exercise in capturing the atmosphere of a place.
technical profile
palette complexity
3
brushwork visibility
3
value contrast
3
compositional simplicity
3
study guide
est. 12 hrsapproach — 8 steps
- step 01
Lightly sketch the basic shapes and perspective lines of the buildings and archway.
- step 02
Establish the horizon line and vanishing points.
- step 03
Block in the main areas of color using thin washes, starting with the sky and distant buildings.
- step 04
Gradually build up the colors and values in the foreground buildings, adding more detail with each layer.
- step 05
Pay attention to the light and shadow to create form and depth.
- step 06
Add the details of the windows, doors, and architectural features.
- step 07
Paint the tree in the foreground, focusing on its texture and form.
- step 08
Refine the details and add any final touches.
color palette
primary · yellow ochre · raw umber · titanium white
secondary · burnt sienna · ultramarine blue · cadmium red
Achieve the muted tones by mixing earth tones with white and small amounts of blue or red. Use thin washes of color to build up the layers.
techniques
- ·perspective drawing
- ·color layering
- ·dry brushing
- ·atmospheric perspective
- ·value studies
common pitfalls
- →Incorrect perspective
- →Overly saturated colors
- →Lack of depth
- →Ignoring the light source
materials
surface · stretched canvas
required
- ·stretched canvas
- ·acrylic or oil paints
- ·round brushes
- ·flat brushes
- ·palette
- ·palette knife
- ·linseed oil or acrylic medium
optional
- ·easel
- ·painting knife
- ·retarder medium
- ·varnish
A medium-textured canvas is recommended. If using oils, use a canvas primed for oils. If using acrylics, use a canvas primed for acrylics.
tips & new artworks in your inbox
no spam — unsubscribe anytime.
or to save artworks, chat, and track progress
in this vein
