plate no. 1036

Sunrise over the Dnipro River

Ivan Marchuk, 2004

oilMagic Realismmarinasunriserivertreesskyreflectionlandscape

some experience helpful

This painting offers a great opportunity to practice pointillism and creating a sense of light through subtle color variations. Students will also learn about creating depth using atmospheric perspective and repetitive brushstrokes.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 12 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Lightly sketch the horizon line and the position of the sun.
step 02
Divide the canvas into sections for the sky, trees, and water.
step 03
Begin applying small, individual brushstrokes in the sky, radiating outwards from the sun, using lighter shades near the sun and gradually darkening towards the top.
step 04
Create the tree line with darker, more concentrated strokes, varying the color slightly to suggest individual trees.
step 05
Paint the water with horizontal strokes, reflecting the colors of the sky and trees. Add a vertical line of brighter color to represent the sun's reflection.
step 06
Continue layering strokes, adjusting the colors and values to create depth and atmosphere.
step 07
Refine the details, adding subtle variations in color and texture.
step 08
Allow to dry and add a protective varnish if desired.

color palette

primary · burnt sienna · raw umber · titanium white

secondary · yellow ochre · cadmium orange

Mix burnt sienna and raw umber for the darker areas of the trees and water. Add titanium white to create lighter shades for the sky and sun. Use yellow ochre and cadmium orange sparingly to add warmth to the sunrise.

techniques