plate no. 7940

ZAGES and a statue of Lenin

Ilya Mashkov, 1927

oilImpressionismlandscapedamstatuemountainswaterskyarchitecture

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in layering colors to create texture and depicting atmospheric perspective. It also provides practice in rendering architectural forms within a landscape.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 12 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Sketch the basic shapes of the mountains, dam, and statue, paying attention to proportions.
step 02
Establish the horizon line and the overall composition.
step 03
Block in the main color areas for the sky, mountains, water, and structures using thin washes.
step 04
Begin layering colors to build up the texture and form of the mountains and foreground.
step 05
Add details to the dam and statue, focusing on light and shadow.
step 06
Refine the water, using short, broken brushstrokes to suggest movement.
step 07
Add final highlights and shadows to enhance the sense of depth and realism.
step 08
Review and adjust the overall color harmony and balance.

color palette

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

secondary · viridian green · alizarin crimson

Mix various shades of brown and orange for the mountains by combining burnt sienna, yellow ochre, and alizarin crimson. Use ultramarine blue and white for the sky, and add a touch of crimson for the clouds. Mix greens for the vegetation by combining blue and yellow.

techniques

·broken color
·layering
·dry brushing
·atmospheric perspective
·scumbling

common pitfalls

→Overworking the details too early in the process.
→Failing to establish a clear value structure.
→Using colors straight from the tube without mixing.
→Ignoring the effects of atmospheric perspective.

materials

surface · stretched canvas

required

·stretched canvas
·acrylic or oil paints
·round brushes
·flat brushes
·palette
·palette knife
·linseed oil (if using oils)
·mineral spirits (if using oils)

optional

·medium gloss
·easel
·rags

Use a medium-grit canvas to allow for good paint adhesion and texture. Acrylics are more beginner-friendly due to their faster drying time and ease of cleanup.

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