plate no. 4585
Peter I on a walk in the Summer Garden
Alexandre Benois, 1910
experienced study
Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in depicting figures in perspective and creating atmospheric perspective through color and value variations. It also offers practice in rendering complex details with loose brushwork.
technical profile
palette complexity
4
brushwork visibility
4
value contrast
3
compositional simplicity
2
study guide
est. 20 hrsapproach — 8 steps
- step 01
Sketch the basic composition, focusing on the placement of the figures, fountain, and building.
- step 02
Establish the background sky and foliage with broad washes of color.
- step 03
Block in the main shapes of the figures with simplified color masses.
- step 04
Develop the fountain and architectural details, paying attention to perspective.
- step 05
Refine the figures, adding details to their clothing and faces.
- step 06
Add highlights and shadows to create depth and dimension.
- step 07
Glaze thin layers of color to unify the painting and create atmospheric effects.
- step 08
Add final details and adjust values as needed.
color palette
primary · Prussian blue · Yellow ochre · Crimson · Titanium White
secondary · Sap green · Burnt umber · Cadmium Yellow
Mix various shades of green for the foliage by combining yellow ochre, Prussian blue, and a touch of crimson. Achieve the skin tones by mixing titanium white, yellow ochre, and a small amount of crimson. Use glazes of diluted crimson to create the rich reds of the robes.
techniques
- ·Figure drawing
- ·Atmospheric perspective
- ·Glazing
- ·Dry brushing
- ·Color mixing
common pitfalls
- →Overworking the details and losing the loose, painterly feel.
- →Incorrect proportions of the figures.
- →Failing to create a sense of depth and atmosphere.
- →Using colors that are too saturated.
- →Not establishing a clear focal point.
materials
surface · Stretched canvas
required
- ·Stretched canvas 18x24
- ·Gouache paints
- ·Round brushes (sizes 2, 4, 6)
- ·Flat brushes (sizes 4, 8)
- ·Palette
- ·Water container
- ·Paper towels
- ·Soft cloth
optional
- ·Palette knife
- ·Easel
- ·Retarding medium
Using a toned canvas can help to establish the mid-tones and create a more unified painting.
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