plate no. 2376
On the streets of Petrograd
Ivan Vladimirov, 1918
some experience helpful
Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in depicting figures in a crowd and capturing atmospheric perspective using a limited color palette. It also provides practice in using loose brushwork to suggest detail.
technical profile
palette complexity
4
brushwork visibility
4
value contrast
3
compositional simplicity
2
study guide
est. 12 hrsapproach — 8 steps
- step 01
Sketch the basic composition, focusing on the placement of the main figures and the statue in the background.
- step 02
Establish the overall value structure with a thin wash of neutral tones, paying attention to the light source.
- step 03
Block in the main figures with simplified shapes and colors, focusing on their relative sizes and positions.
- step 04
Develop the background elements, using lighter values and less detail to create atmospheric perspective.
- step 05
Add details to the main figures, such as facial features, clothing, and accessories.
- step 06
Refine the brushwork, using loose strokes to suggest texture and movement.
- step 07
Add highlights and shadows to create depth and dimension.
- step 08
Make final adjustments to the composition and color balance.
color palette
primary · gray · brown · black · white
secondary · red · ochre · blue-gray
Achieve the muted tones by mixing complementary colors and adding white or gray. Use thin washes of color to build up the values gradually.
techniques
- ·alla prima
- ·dry brushing
- ·scumbling
- ·atmospheric perspective
- ·limited palette
common pitfalls
- →Overworking the details
- →Creating too much contrast
- →Ignoring the atmospheric perspective
- →Using colors that are too saturated
materials
surface · stretched canvas
required
- ·stretched canvas
- ·oil paints (gray, brown, black, white, red, ochre, blue-gray)
- ·palette
- ·assorted brushes (round and flat)
- ·linseed oil
- ·turpentine
optional
- ·palette knife
- ·painting medium
- ·varnish
Use a medium-grain canvas to allow for texture. Consider using a toned canvas to establish a base color.
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