plate no. 6301
Agin steppe. At the summer camp
Mikhail Olennikov, 1951
some experience helpful
Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in layering paint to create texture and depicting a sense of depth through atmospheric perspective. It also provides practice 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 and composition lightly onto the canvas, paying attention to proportions and placement.
- step 02
Block in the sky with a thin wash of light blue and grey, blending softly.
- step 03
Establish the horizon line and block in the general areas of the field with green, yellow, and brown.
- step 04
Add the basic shapes of the building, wagons, and horse, using simplified forms and muted colors.
- step 05
Begin layering paint to build up texture and detail in the foreground, using thicker brushstrokes.
- step 06
Refine the details of the building, wagons, and horse, adding highlights and shadows to create form.
- step 07
Add final touches to the sky and background, softening edges and adjusting values to create atmospheric perspective.
- step 08
Review the painting and make any necessary adjustments to color, value, and composition.
color palette
primary · yellow ochre · burnt umber · titanium white · sap green
secondary · ultramarine blue · cadmium red · raw sienna
Mix greens by combining yellow ochre, sap green, and ultramarine blue. Achieve muted tones by mixing complementary colors together.
techniques
- ·dry brush texture
- ·layering
- ·scumbling
- ·atmospheric perspective
- ·alla prima
common pitfalls
- →Overworking the details too early in the process.
- →Creating colors that are too bright or saturated.
- →Failing to establish a clear sense of depth.
- →Not simplifying complex forms into basic shapes.
materials
surface · stretched canvas
required
- ·stretched canvas
- ·oil paints
- ·palette
- ·palette knife
- ·#4 round brush
- ·#6 flat brush
- ·#8 filbert brush
- ·linseed oil
optional
- ·painting medium
- ·varnish
- ·easel
Use a medium-tooth canvas for better texture. Consider using a limited palette to simplify color mixing.
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