plate no. 1676
The cruiser Sverdlov in a Harbor
Sergey Ryabchenko, 1960
some experience helpful
This painting provides practice in creating depth through value and mastering linework to define complex shapes. Students will learn to suggest detail rather than rendering every element precisely.
technical profile
palette complexity
2
brushwork visibility
4
value contrast
4
compositional simplicity
3
study guide
est. 8 hrsapproach — 8 steps
- step 01
Begin with a light sketch to establish the basic composition and placement of the ships and horizon line.
- step 02
Block in the darkest areas of the foreground ship and machinery with a dark gray or black.
- step 03
Add lighter values to the sky and water, creating a sense of atmospheric perspective.
- step 04
Develop the details of the ships in the background, using progressively lighter values to suggest distance.
- step 05
Refine the linework in the foreground to define the shapes of the machinery and the figure.
- step 06
Add subtle highlights to create a sense of light and shadow.
- step 07
Check the overall balance of values and adjust as needed.
- step 08
Add final details and refine edges.
color palette
primary · ivory black · titanium white
secondary · payne's gray · raw umber
Mix various shades of gray by combining black and white. Add small amounts of raw umber or payne's gray to create subtle variations in tone.
techniques
- ·value study
- ·linework
- ·atmospheric perspective
- ·dry brushing
- ·scumbling
common pitfalls
- →Overworking the details and losing the overall sense of atmosphere.
- →Creating too much contrast in the background, which will flatten the image.
- →Not establishing a clear focal point.
- →Ignoring the subtle variations in value.
materials
surface · stretched canvas
required
- ·stretched canvas
- ·ivory black oil paint
- ·titanium white oil paint
- ·payne's gray oil paint
- ·round brushes (sizes 2, 4, 6)
- ·palette knife
- ·linseed oil
- ·odorless mineral spirits
optional
- ·palette
- ·easel
- ·medium gloss
Use a smooth canvas for best results. Consider toning the canvas with a thin wash of raw umber before starting.
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