plate no. 6301
Agin steppe. At the summer camp
Mikhail Olennikov, 1951
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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