plate no. 0222

Sofia. View from the bell tower

Yuriy Khymych, 1960

gouachePost-Impressionismcityscapearchitecturebuildingcityscapedomesskychurch

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students practice simplifying complex forms into basic shapes and using a limited color palette to create a harmonious composition. It also provides practice in capturing architectural details with expressive brushstrokes.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 8 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Lightly sketch the basic shapes of the building and the surrounding elements, focusing on proportions and perspective.
step 02
Block in the large areas of color, starting with the sky and then the main building masses.
step 03
Establish the darkest and lightest values to create a sense of depth and form.
step 04
Add details to the architecture, such as windows, arches, and decorative elements, using a smaller brush.
step 05
Refine the colors and values, paying attention to the subtle shifts in tone.
step 06
Add highlights and shadows to create a sense of light and shadow.
step 07
Use thicker paint and bolder brushstrokes to emphasize certain areas and create texture.
step 08
Step back and assess the painting, making any necessary adjustments to the composition, colors, or values.

color palette

primary · ultramarine blue · titanium white · yellow ochre

secondary · burnt sienna · turquoise · violet

Mix various shades of blue and white for the building, adding touches of yellow ochre and burnt sienna for warmth. Use turquoise for the decorative elements and violet for shadows.

techniques