plate no. 7746
April landscape
Martiros Sarian, 1944
some experience helpful
This painting is great for practicing color mixing to achieve realistic greens and browns, and for learning how to create depth using atmospheric perspective. Students can also practice 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 composition, focusing on the placement of the mountain, buildings, and trees.
- step 02
Block in the sky with a light blue, gradually lightening towards the horizon.
- step 03
Establish the mountain's form with light grays and blues, suggesting snow-capped peaks.
- step 04
Paint the buildings using warm browns and reds, varying the tones to create depth.
- step 05
Add the trees and foliage with a mix of greens, yellows, and browns, using visible brushstrokes.
- step 06
Paint the fence and pathway, paying attention to perspective and light.
- step 07
Add the figures in the foreground with dark reds and browns.
- step 08
Refine details and adjust values to create a sense of atmosphere and depth.
color palette
primary · ultramarine blue · burnt sienna · yellow ochre
secondary · titanium white · cadmium red light · sap green
Mix greens by combining yellow ochre and ultramarine blue. Create various browns by mixing burnt sienna with ultramarine blue or yellow ochre. Use white to lighten colors and create atmospheric perspective.
techniques
- ·blocking in
- ·atmospheric perspective
- ·broken color
- ·dry brushing
- ·scumbling
common pitfalls
- →Overmixing colors, resulting in muddy tones.
- →Neglecting atmospheric perspective, making the background appear flat.
- →Getting lost in details too early.
- →Not varying brushstrokes to create texture.
materials
surface · stretched canvas
required
- ·stretched canvas 12x16
- ·#4 round brush
- ·#8 flat brush
- ·ultramarine blue oil paint
- ·burnt sienna oil paint
- ·yellow ochre oil paint
- ·titanium white oil paint
optional
- ·palette knife
- ·linseed oil
- ·odorless mineral spirits
Use a limited palette to simplify color mixing. Consider using a medium to thin the paint and improve flow.
tips & new artworks in your inbox
no spam — unsubscribe anytime.
or to save artworks, chat, and track progress
in this vein
