plate no. 1955

The Winter Canal

Mikhail Vrubel, 1901

watercolor, paperSymbolismcityscapebuildingssnowcanalcityscapearchitecturewinter

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students understand how to use a limited color palette to create depth and atmosphere, and how to suggest detail with loose, 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 buildings and the canal, focusing on proportions and perspective.
step 02
Mix a range of blue-gray tones for the buildings, varying the intensity and warmth slightly.
step 03
Apply the darkest values first, defining the shadows and architectural details.
step 04
Add lighter washes of blue and gray to suggest snow and highlights.
step 05
Use dry brush techniques to create texture on the buildings and snow.
step 06
Paint the canal with varying shades of blue, reflecting the sky and buildings.
step 07
Add small details like windows and architectural ornaments with a fine brush.
step 08
Allow the paper to show through in some areas to create a sense of light and air.

color palette

primary · Prussian blue · Payne's gray · Titanium white

secondary · Burnt umber · Ultramarine blue

Mix Prussian blue and Payne's gray for the darker tones. Add Titanium white to create lighter shades. Use Burnt umber to slightly warm the grays and blues.

techniques