plate no. 2049

Yalta at night

Konstantín Korovin, 1905

oilImpressionismcityscapecityscapenightbuildingsfigurestreeslights

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in capturing atmospheric perspective and using broken color to represent light and shadow in a complex scene. It also encourages expressive brushwork and simplification of detail.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 8 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Lightly sketch the main shapes and composition, focusing on the placement of buildings and the horizon line.
step 02
Block in the large areas of color, starting with the darkest values in the sky and gradually working towards the lighter areas.
step 03
Establish the warm glow of the lights and windows using a mix of yellows, oranges, and reds.
step 04
Add the details of the buildings and figures using loose, expressive brushstrokes.
step 05
Create the impression of depth by softening the edges of distant objects and using cooler colors.
step 06
Introduce texture with thicker paint application and visible brushstrokes, especially in the foreground.
step 07
Refine the highlights and shadows, paying attention to the way light interacts with different surfaces.
step 08
Add final details, such as the bare branches of the trees, using a fine brush.

color palette

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

secondary · cadmium red · raw sienna

Achieve the dark blues of the sky by mixing ultramarine blue and burnt umber. Create the warm glow of the lights by mixing yellow ochre, cadmium red, and white. Use raw sienna and burnt umber for the earth tones.

techniques