plate no. 7112

Alaverdi copper-chemical complex

Martiros Sarian, 1937

oil, canvasRealismlandscapemountainsfactorybuildingssmokefigureslandscape

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in simplifying complex scenes and using color to create depth and atmosphere. It also provides practice in depicting industrial landscapes within a natural setting.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 12 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Sketch the basic shapes of the mountains, buildings, and other key elements, focusing on their relative sizes and positions.
step 02
Establish the horizon line and the general layout of the foreground, middle ground, and background.
step 03
Block in the main color areas for the mountains, sky, and ground, using thin washes of paint.
step 04
Add details to the buildings and factory structures, paying attention to their geometric forms and shadows.
step 05
Develop the textures of the mountains and ground using broken brushstrokes and variations in color.
step 06
Paint the smoke plumes, blending them softly into the sky.
step 07
Add the figures and other small details to the foreground to create a sense of scale and activity.
step 08
Refine the details and adjust the colors and values as needed to achieve a cohesive and atmospheric effect.

color palette

primary · purple · yellow ochre · raw umber · titanium white

secondary · cadmium red · sap green · ultramarine blue

Mix muted greens by combining yellow ochre, raw umber, and a touch of ultramarine blue. Achieve the mountain colors by blending purple with white and touches of red and brown.

techniques

·broken color
·dry brushing
·scumbling
·atmospheric perspective
·color layering

common pitfalls

→Overworking the details and losing the overall sense of atmosphere.
→Creating muddy colors by overmixing.
→Failing to establish a clear sense of depth and perspective.
→Ignoring the subtle variations in color and value within each area of the painting.

materials

surface · stretched canvas

required

·Stretched canvas 18x24
·Oil paints: purple, yellow ochre, raw umber, titanium white, cadmium red, sap green, ultramarine blue
·Palette
·Assorted brushes (round and flat)
·Linseed oil
·Odorless mineral spirits
·Palette knife
·Rags