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home·artworks·Vilnius Cathedral, Lithuania
Vilnius Cathedral, Lithuania by Vasily Sadovnikov

plate no. 9295

Vilnius Cathedral, Lithuania

Vasily Sadovnikov, 1854

lithographyRealismcityscapecathedralarchitecturefigurescityscapecolumnssky
some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in linear perspective, architectural rendering, and creating atmospheric depth through value gradations. It also provides practice in depicting figures in a landscape setting.

technical profile

palette complexity
2
brushwork visibility
1
value contrast
3
compositional simplicity
3

study guide

est. 12 hrs

approach — 8 steps

  1. step 01

    Begin with a light sketch to establish the basic proportions and perspective of the cathedral.

  2. step 02

    Carefully draw the main architectural elements: columns, pediment, domes, and statues.

  3. step 03

    Add details to the facade, including the frieze, statues in niches, and door.

  4. step 04

    Sketch in the surrounding buildings and landscape elements, paying attention to their relative size and position.

  5. step 05

    Lightly sketch the figures in the foreground, indicating their positions and basic shapes.

  6. step 06

    Begin shading the drawing, starting with the darkest areas and gradually working towards the lighter tones.

  7. step 07

    Use hatching and cross-hatching to create depth and texture.

  8. step 08

    Add final details and highlights to enhance the realism of the drawing.

color palette

primary · ivory black · titanium white

secondary · payne's gray · raw umber

Mix shades of gray by varying the ratio of black and white. Use a touch of raw umber to warm up the grays slightly.

techniques

  • ·linear perspective
  • ·hatching and cross-hatching
  • ·value gradation
  • ·architectural rendering
  • ·atmospheric perspective

common pitfalls

  • →Incorrect perspective leading to a distorted building.
  • →Overworking the details and losing the overall structure.
  • →Uneven shading resulting in a flat appearance.
  • →Inaccurate proportions of the figures.
  • →Ignoring atmospheric perspective, making the background too sharp.

materials

surface · smooth drawing paper

required

  • ·graphite pencils (HB, 2B, 4B)
  • ·eraser
  • ·ruler
  • ·drawing paper (smooth surface)
  • ·kneaded eraser
  • ·blending stump

optional

  • ·compass
  • ·T-square
  • ·fixative spray

Use a variety of graphite pencils to achieve a full range of values. A smooth paper surface will allow for more precise shading.

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