plate no. 9529
27/5000 Krym. Piramidal'nyy Topol' Crimea. Lombardy poplar
Robert Falk, 1915
some experience helpful
This painting helps students develop skills in simplifying complex forms into geometric shapes and using a limited color palette to create a cohesive landscape. It also encourages experimentation with visible brushstrokes to build texture and form.
technical profile
palette complexity
3
brushwork visibility
4
value contrast
3
compositional simplicity
3
study guide
est. 8 hrsapproach — 8 steps
- step 01
Lightly sketch the basic shapes of the trees, buildings, and horizon line using a pencil.
- step 02
Block in the sky with broad strokes of blue and purple, blending slightly.
- step 03
Define the shapes of the trees with varying shades of green, using visible brushstrokes to suggest foliage.
- step 04
Paint the buildings using simplified geometric forms and a muted color palette of blues, whites, and yellows.
- step 05
Add details to the tree trunks using browns and grays, varying the brushstrokes to create texture.
- step 06
Define the road and walls with horizontal strokes, using lighter colors to suggest sunlight.
- step 07
Refine the edges of the shapes and add subtle variations in color to create depth.
- step 08
Add final touches and highlights to enhance the overall composition.
color palette
primary · green · blue · white · brown
secondary · purple · yellow · grey
Mix greens by combining blue and yellow. Use white to lighten colors and create highlights. Browns can be created by mixing complementary colors like blue and orange.
techniques
- ·blocking in
- ·broken color
- ·geometric simplification
- ·scumbling
- ·color mixing
common pitfalls
- →Overcomplicating the shapes and details.
- →Using too many colors and losing the overall harmony.
- →Blending the colors too much and losing the texture.
- →Not paying attention to the light and shadow.
materials
surface · stretched canvas
required
- ·Stretched canvas (16x20 inches)
- ·Acrylic or oil paints (green, blue, white, brown, purple, yellow)
- ·Assorted brushes (flat and round)
- ·Palette
- ·Palette knife
- ·Odorless mineral spirits or water (depending on paint type)
- ·Linseed oil (if using oil paints)
optional
- ·easel
- ·painting medium
- ·varnish
Use a canvas with a medium texture to enhance the brushstrokes. Consider using a limited palette to simplify the color mixing process.
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