plate no. 0034

Olexa Dundić

Sergey Ryabchenko, 1963

paper, linocutRealismportraitportraitsoldierbattlehorsesskyhands

some experience helpful

This painting provides practice in creating strong value contrasts and using line work to define form and texture. Students will learn to simplify complex scenes into distinct areas of light and shadow.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 12 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Create a preliminary sketch outlining the main shapes and composition.
step 02
Establish the darkest areas of the painting with a solid black layer.
step 03
Begin adding white lines to define the figure's face and hands, paying attention to the direction of light.
step 04
Develop the background battle scene with varying line thicknesses to suggest depth.
step 05
Add details to the sky using horizontal lines to create a sense of movement.
step 06
Refine the linework, adding more detail and texture to the figures and horses.
step 07
Adjust the value contrast by adding more black or white as needed.
step 08
Finalize the details and ensure a cohesive overall composition.