plate no. 2124

The bell tower of the Near and Far Caves (Kiev Lavra)

Yuriy Khymych, 1993

gouachePost-Impressionismcityscapecityscapearchitecturetowersbuildingsskysnow

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in simplifying complex forms into basic shapes and using a limited color palette to create a cohesive and expressive artwork. Students will also learn to create depth through color variation and layering.

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 buildings and towers, focusing on their relative sizes and positions.
step 02
Establish the horizon line and the general areas for the sky and ground.
step 03
Block in the main color areas for the sky, buildings, and ground using diluted washes.
step 04
Begin layering colors to define the shapes and add depth, starting with darker tones and gradually adding highlights.
step 05
Use thicker paint and visible brushstrokes to add details to the towers and buildings.
step 06
Add the bare tree branches using a fine brush and dark brown or purple paint.
step 07
Introduce small amounts of white to represent snow on the roofs and in the foreground.
step 08
Refine the edges and add final details to complete the painting.

color palette

primary · ultramarine blue · cerulean blue · raw umber

secondary · yellow ochre · magenta · titanium white

Mix blues with white for the sky and lighter building tones. Combine blues and umber for darker shadows. Use yellow ochre to create the golden tower and mix with white for highlights.

techniques

·color blocking
·layering
·dry brushing
·simplified shapes
·limited palette

common pitfalls

→Overcomplicating the details of the architecture.
→Using too many colors and creating a muddy effect.
→Not establishing a clear value structure.
→Losing the simplified, expressive style of the original.

materials

surface · stretched canvas

required

·stretched canvas
·ultramarine blue gouache
·cerulean blue gouache
·raw umber gouache
·yellow ochre gouache
·magenta gouache
·titanium white gouache
·assorted brushes (round and flat)

optional

·palette knife
·retarder medium
·easel

Using a canvas with a slight texture can enhance the brushstroke visibility. Gouache can be reactivated with water, allowing for easy blending and layering.

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