plate no. 6279

Tarnovo

Nikola Tanev, 1939

oilPost-Impressionismcityscapebuildingsstreetcityscapeskyfigureshadows

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in perspective, color temperature, and capturing light and shadow in an urban environment. Students will also learn to simplify complex scenes into basic shapes and values.

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 and perspective lines of the buildings and street.
step 02
Establish the main light and shadow areas with thin washes of color.
step 03
Block in the local colors of the buildings, street, and sky, focusing on value relationships.
step 04
Refine the shapes and edges of the buildings, adding details like windows and roofs.
step 05
Add the figures and other small details, paying attention to their placement and scale.
step 06
Adjust the overall color harmony and value contrast to create a sense of depth and atmosphere.
step 07
Add final touches and highlights to emphasize the light and form.
step 08
Allow to dry and varnish.

color palette

primary · yellow ochre · raw umber · titanium white · ultramarine blue

secondary · burnt sienna · cadmium red light · viridian

Mix various shades of gray for the street and buildings by combining raw umber, ultramarine blue, and white. Use yellow ochre and white for the sunlit areas, and add burnt sienna for warmer tones.

techniques