plate no. 2819

Promenade of Empress Elizabeth through the Noble Streets of St Petersburg

Alexandre Benois, 1903

oilArt Nouveau (Modern)history paintingcityscapefigureshorsescarriagearchitecturestreet

experienced study

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in depicting complex scenes with multiple figures and architectural details, as well as understanding atmospheric perspective and color harmony.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 15 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Lightly sketch the basic composition, focusing on the placement of major elements like buildings, figures, and the carriage.
step 02
Block in the main colors of the buildings, using a thin wash of diluted paint.
step 03
Establish the values of the figures, creating a sense of depth and dimension.
step 04
Add details to the carriage and horses, paying attention to the intricate patterns and textures.
step 05
Develop the background elements, such as the sky and distant buildings, using soft, blended colors.
step 06
Refine the details of the figures, adding highlights and shadows to create a sense of realism.
step 07
Add final touches, such as small details and highlights, to enhance the overall composition.
step 08
Glaze with thin layers to unify the painting

color palette

primary · yellow ochre · burnt umber · titanium white

secondary · cadmium red · ultramarine blue · sap green

Mix yellow ochre and burnt umber to create the warm tones of the buildings. Use ultramarine blue and white for the sky. Mix cadmium red and burnt umber for the red clothing.

techniques

·linear perspective
·atmospheric perspective
·figure drawing
·color mixing
·dry brushing

common pitfalls

→Getting lost in the details too early, before establishing the overall composition.
→Failing to create a sense of depth and dimension in the painting.
→Using colors that are too saturated or intense, which can detract from the overall harmony.
→Not paying attention to the proportions of the figures and buildings.