plate no. 4755

Saint Sophia Cathedral

Yuriy Khymych, 1964

gouachePost-Impressionismcityscapecathedralarchitectureskycloudsbuildingdomes

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in simplifying complex architectural forms and using a limited palette to create a sense of depth and atmosphere. It's also a good exercise in capturing light and shadow with visible brushstrokes.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 10 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Lightly sketch the basic shapes of the cathedral and the cloud formations, focusing on proportions and perspective.
step 02
Block in the sky with a light blue-gray wash, using broad brushstrokes to suggest the clouds.
step 03
Establish the main color blocks for the cathedral: light gray for the walls, dark blue-green for the domes, and ochre for the golden elements.
step 04
Add details to the architecture, such as windows, arches, and decorative elements, using a smaller brush.
step 05
Refine the cloud shapes and add subtle variations in tone to create a sense of depth and volume.
step 06
Introduce shadows and highlights to the cathedral to enhance its three-dimensionality.
step 07
Add the details on the domes and crosses with gold and yellow hues.
step 08
Review the overall composition and make any necessary adjustments to balance the colors and values.

color palette

primary · titanium white · ultramarine blue · yellow ochre

secondary · burnt sienna · raw umber · cadmium yellow

Mix light grays by combining white with small amounts of blue and umber. Achieve the blue-green for the domes by mixing blue and yellow ochre. Create the golden tones by mixing yellow ochre with a touch of burnt sienna.

techniques