plate no. 9307

Tsar Simeon Enters Preslav

oilPost-Impressionismhistory paintingfigureshorsesbuildingcrowdhistoricallandscape

experienced study

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in depicting figures in a crowd and capturing the texture of various surfaces with visible brushstrokes. It also provides practice in creating a sense of depth and atmosphere through color and value variations.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 20 hrs

approach — 7 steps

step 01
Sketch the basic composition, focusing on the placement of the main figures and the building.
step 02
Establish the main light source and map out the areas of light and shadow.
step 03
Block in the large shapes of color, starting with the background and working towards the foreground.
step 04
Develop the details of the figures, paying attention to their anatomy and clothing.
step 05
Add texture to the building, horses, and ground using visible brushstrokes.
step 06
Refine the colors and values, creating a sense of depth and atmosphere.
step 07
Add final details and highlights to bring the painting to life.

color palette

primary · yellow ochre · burnt umber · titanium white · cadmium red

secondary · ultramarine blue · sap green · raw sienna

Mixes of yellow ochre and burnt umber create the warm tones of the buildings and horses. Add titanium white to lighten these colors and create highlights. Use ultramarine blue and burnt umber to create shadows and darker tones.

techniques

·broken color
·scumbling
·dry brushing
·alla prima
·atmospheric perspective

common pitfalls

→Getting bogged down in details too early.
→Failing to establish a clear light source.
→Using colors that are too saturated.
→Ignoring the importance of atmospheric perspective.

materials

surface · stretched canvas

required

·stretched canvas 18x24
·oil paints (yellow ochre, burnt umber, titanium white, cadmium red, ultramarine blue, sap green, raw sienna)
·palette
·palette knife
·assorted brushes (round and flat)
·linseed oil
·turpentine or odorless mineral spirits
·rags