plate no. 6824

A garden in Blossom

Victor Borisov-Musatov, 1900

pastel, paperPost-Impressionismlandscapegardentreesblossomsfigurebuildinglandscape

some experience helpful

This painting offers practice in layering colors to create depth and texture, and in simplifying complex forms like trees and blossoms into basic shapes and color blocks. Students will also learn to create a sense of atmosphere through color and brushwork.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 8 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Lightly sketch the basic shapes: building, trees, figure.
step 02
Block in the sky with light blue, blending slightly.
step 03
Establish the ground with a base of blue-green, adding variations.
step 04
Paint the building with a mix of pink and orange, indicating shadows.
step 05
Add the dark green of the evergreen tree.
step 06
Begin applying the white blossoms with short, broken strokes.
step 07
Paint the figure with light gray and white, adding the red sash.
step 08
Refine details and add highlights to the blossoms and figure.

color palette

primary · titanium white · cerulean blue · cadmium red light · yellow ochre

secondary · sap green · burnt umber · cadmium orange

Mix various shades of green for the foliage by combining blue, yellow, and a touch of brown. Create the building color by mixing red, yellow, and white. Achieve the blossom color by mixing white with small amounts of blue and pink.

techniques