plate no. 6038
Returning from the City
Alexei Korzukhin, 1870
experienced study
Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in rendering figures in complex poses, understanding light and shadow in an interior setting, and creating a sense of depth through atmospheric perspective.
technical profile
palette complexity
4
brushwork visibility
4
value contrast
4
compositional simplicity
2
study guide
est. 30 hrsapproach — 8 steps
- step 01
Create a rough sketch to establish the composition and placement of figures and objects.
- step 02
Block in the main shapes and values using a limited palette of earth tones.
- step 03
Develop the background details, paying attention to the subtle variations in tone and texture.
- step 04
Refine the figures, focusing on accurate proportions and anatomical details.
- step 05
Add highlights and shadows to create a sense of depth and volume.
- step 06
Work on the details of the clothing and other objects, paying attention to the textures and patterns.
- step 07
Glaze thin layers of color to unify the painting and create a sense of atmosphere.
- step 08
Add final details and highlights to bring the painting to life.
color palette
primary · burnt umber · raw sienna · ivory black · titanium white
secondary · ultramarine blue · cadmium red light · yellow ochre
Achieve the muted tones by mixing earth colors with white and small amounts of blue or red. Use thin glazes of color to create depth and luminosity.
techniques
- ·underpainting
- ·glazing
- ·scumbling
- ·chiaroscuro
- ·figure drawing
common pitfalls
- →Incorrect proportions of figures
- →Overworking the details
- →Failing to establish a strong value structure
- →Inaccurate color mixing
materials
surface · stretched canvas
required
- ·stretched canvas 18x24
- ·burnt umber oil paint
- ·raw sienna oil paint
- ·ivory black oil paint
- ·titanium white oil paint
- ·round brushes (sizes 2, 4, 6)
- ·flat brushes (sizes 4, 8)
- ·linseed oil
optional
- ·palette knife
- ·turpentine
- ·retouch varnish
Use high-quality oil paints for best results. Prepare the canvas with gesso before beginning to paint.
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