plate no. 0754
A Tree near Dniester River
Margit Selska, 1972
some experience helpful
Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in layering colors to create depth and texture, and in simplifying complex forms into basic shapes.
technical profile
palette complexity
3
brushwork visibility
4
value contrast
3
compositional simplicity
3
study guide
est. 8 hrsapproach — 8 steps
- step 01
Sketch the basic shapes of the tree, river, and landscape.
- step 02
Block in the main color areas with thin washes.
- step 03
Start layering colors to define the shapes and create depth.
- step 04
Add details to the tree trunk, using short, directional brushstrokes.
- step 05
Refine the colors and values in the landscape.
- step 06
Add the foliage with small, dark brushstrokes.
- step 07
Adjust the overall composition and add final details.
- step 08
Let dry and add a varnish layer.
color palette
primary · yellow ochre · ultramarine blue · titanium white
secondary · burnt sienna · sap green · violet
Mix yellow ochre and ultramarine blue for various greens and grays. Use white to lighten colors and create highlights. Mix burnt sienna and ultramarine for dark browns.
techniques
- ·dry brush texture
- ·color layering
- ·broken color
- ·scumbling
- ·directional brushstrokes
common pitfalls
- →over-blending colors
- →losing the basic shapes
- →not varying brushstrokes
- →getting the values wrong
materials
surface · stretched canvas
required
- ·stretched canvas
- ·yellow ochre oil paint
- ·ultramarine blue oil paint
- ·titanium white oil paint
- ·burnt sienna oil paint
- ·sap green oil paint
- ·violet oil paint
- ·round brushes size 2, 4, and 6
optional
- ·palette knife
- ·linseed oil
- ·turpentine
- ·medium gloss
Use a limited palette to achieve color harmony. Consider using a toned canvas to start.
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