plate no. 7031

Peter the Great. Founding of St. Petersburg

oilRealismhistory paintingfigureslandscapetreesmapshistoricalsky

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in figure painting, landscape composition, and creating a sense of depth through atmospheric perspective. It also provides practice in mixing realistic skin tones and rendering fabric textures.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 20 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Sketch the basic composition, focusing on the placement of the figures and the main landscape elements.
step 02
Establish the background sky and distant landscape with thin washes of color.
step 03
Block in the main shapes of the figures with simplified color masses.
step 04
Develop the details of the figures' clothing and facial features, paying attention to light and shadow.
step 05
Add details to the landscape, including the trees, foliage, and ground textures.
step 06
Refine the colors and values throughout the painting, creating a sense of harmony and balance.
step 07
Add final details such as the maps and smaller figures in the background.
step 08
Glaze to unify the painting.

color palette

primary · Prussian blue · Yellow ochre · Burnt umber · Titanium white

secondary · Cadmium red · Viridian green

Mix greens by combining Prussian blue and yellow ochre, adjusting the ratio for different shades. Use burnt umber and white to create earthy tones for the landscape. Mix red and white with a touch of yellow ochre for the skin tones.

techniques

·Figure drawing
·Portraiture
·Glazing
·Atmospheric perspective
·Color mixing

common pitfalls

→Overworking the details too early in the process.
→Failing to establish a strong value structure.
→Using colors that are too saturated or unrealistic.
→Not paying attention to the proportions of the figures.

materials

surface · stretched canvas

required

·Stretched canvas 18x24
·Oil paints (Prussian blue, Yellow ochre, Burnt umber, Titanium white, Cadmium red, Viridian green)
·Assorted brushes (round and flat)
·Palette
·Linseed oil
·Odorless mineral spirits
·Palette knife
·Rags