plate no. 1185

On Primorsky Boulevard

Sergey Ryabchenko, 1957

linocut, paperRealismlandscapestatuewintersnowchildlandscapecityscape

suitable for beginners

This artwork is a great way to practice simplifying complex scenes into basic shapes and values, and it helps develop skills in creating a sense of depth using only a few colors.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 6 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Sketch the basic shapes: statue, pedestal, child, bench, and background elements.
step 02
Establish the horizon line and the overall composition.
step 03
Apply a base layer of the light blue color to the entire background.
step 04
Begin filling in the dark areas with the dark color, starting with the statue and pedestal.
step 05
Add the dark color to the child, bench, and other foreground elements.
step 06
Define the snow areas by leaving them unpainted or using a very light wash of the blue.
step 07
Add details like the tree branches, lamppost, and the texture of the snow.
step 08
Refine the edges and add any final touches to enhance the contrast and clarity.

color palette

primary · light blue · dark blue/black

secondary ·

The dark color can be achieved by mixing a dark blue with a touch of black. The light blue can be a pre-mixed color or created by diluting a darker blue with white.

techniques

·flat color application
·negative space
·silhouette
·layering

common pitfalls

→Overcomplicating the shapes and details.
→Not achieving enough contrast between the light and dark areas.
→Making the composition too symmetrical or unbalanced.
→Using too much detail in the background, which can distract from the focal point.