plate no. 5375

View from Petrovsky Island to Tuchkov Bridge and Vasilyevsky Island in St. Petersburg

canvas, oilNeoclassicismcityscapecityscaperiverbuildingstreesfiguressky

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in atmospheric perspective and rendering subtle color variations in landscapes. It also provides practice in depicting figures within a landscape setting.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 15 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Sketch the basic composition, focusing on the horizon line and major shapes of the buildings, trees, and figures.
step 02
Establish the sky with light washes of blue and gray, blending the clouds softly.
step 03
Block in the large areas of color for the water, land, and buildings, paying attention to the overall value structure.
step 04
Develop the details of the trees, using a variety of greens and browns to create depth and texture.
step 05
Add the figures, focusing on their proportions and placement within the scene.
step 06
Refine the details of the buildings, including the windows, roofs, and architectural elements.
step 07
Add highlights and shadows to create a sense of depth and dimension.
step 08
Make final adjustments to the colors and values to create a cohesive and harmonious painting.

color palette

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

secondary · cadmium yellow · raw sienna · ivory black

Mix greens by combining ultramarine blue and yellow ochre. Achieve atmospheric perspective by adding white to colors as they recede into the distance. Use burnt umber and white for the tree trunks.

techniques