plate no. 5641

Petersburg. Kryukov Canal.

Anna Ostroumova-Lebedeva, 1910

oilArt Nouveau (Modern)cityscapecityscapecanalbuildingswaterbridgearchitecture

suitable for beginners

This painting offers a good opportunity to practice creating depth using value and simplifying complex architectural forms. Students can also learn about creating reflections in water and capturing the mood of a city scene.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 6 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Lightly sketch the basic composition, focusing on the perspective of the canal and buildings.
step 02
Establish the horizon line and the vanishing point(s).
step 03
Block in the main shapes of the buildings, tower, and bridge with simplified forms.
step 04
Mix a mid-tone gray/brown for the sky and apply it evenly.
step 05
Add darker values to the buildings and bridge to create shadows and depth.
step 06
Paint the water, using horizontal strokes and varying values to suggest reflections.
step 07
Add the details of the railings in the foreground.
step 08
Refine details and add highlights to create a sense of light and atmosphere.

color palette

primary · gray · brown · olive green

secondary · dark gray · light gray

Mix a neutral gray by combining black and white. Add small amounts of brown or olive green to warm or cool the gray as needed. Use more white to create lighter values for highlights and reflections.

techniques