plate no. 7400

Peasants dancing

Natalia Goncharova, 1911

oil, canvasExpressionismgenre paintingfigurespeasantsdancingclothinggroupexpressionism

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in simplifying figures into basic shapes and using a limited color palette to create a cohesive and expressive composition. It also encourages exploration of visible brushstrokes to add texture and energy.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 8 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Lightly sketch the basic shapes and positions of the four figures, focusing on their gestures and relationships to each other.
step 02
Block in the background with dark blues and purples, using loose, visible brushstrokes.
step 03
Apply the base colors for each figure's clothing and skin tones, keeping the colors relatively flat and simplified.
step 04
Add shadows and highlights to the figures to create depth and volume, paying attention to the light source.
step 05
Define the outlines of the figures and their clothing with darker colors, using bold, confident strokes.
step 06
Mix and apply the secondary colors to add subtle variations and interest to the composition.
step 07
Refine the details of the faces and hands, focusing on capturing the expressions and gestures of the figures.
step 08
Add final touches and adjustments to balance the composition and enhance the overall expressiveness of the painting.

color palette

primary · white · orange · brown · black

secondary · blue · purple · yellow

Mix white with small amounts of yellow or brown to create the off-white tones. Mix orange with brown to create darker shades. Use blue and purple to create a dark and atmospheric background.

techniques