plate no. 0563
Ararat
Gevorg Bashindzhagian, 1912
some experience helpful
This painting is good for practicing atmospheric perspective and color mixing to create depth. Students can also learn to simplify complex textures in the foreground.
technical profile
palette complexity
4
brushwork visibility
3
value contrast
3
compositional simplicity
3
study guide
est. 12 hrsapproach — 8 steps
- step 01
Sketch the basic composition, focusing on the horizon line and mountain shapes.
- step 02
Block in the sky with a gradient of light yellow to pale blue.
- step 03
Establish the mountain masses with light blue-gray and warm yellow tones, paying attention to light and shadow.
- step 04
Paint the distant plains with muted greens and blues to create atmospheric perspective.
- step 05
Block in the foreground field with dark browns and greens, varying the colors to suggest texture.
- step 06
Add details to the foreground, such as small rocks and patches of light.
- step 07
Refine the mountain details, adding subtle variations in color and value.
- step 08
Add small details like birds in the sky to enhance the sense of scale.
color palette
primary · titanium white · yellow ochre · ultramarine blue · burnt umber
secondary · sap green · cadmium yellow · raw sienna · alizarin crimson
Mix various shades of gray for the mountains by combining ultramarine blue, burnt umber, and titanium white. Achieve the foreground greens by mixing sap green with burnt umber and yellow ochre.
techniques
- ·atmospheric perspective
- ·color mixing
- ·layering
- ·scumbling
- ·glazing
common pitfalls
- →Failing to create a sense of depth through atmospheric perspective.
- →Overworking the details in the foreground.
- →Using colors that are too saturated, making the painting look unnatural.
- →Not paying attention to the subtle color variations in the mountains.
materials
surface · stretched canvas
required
- ·stretched canvas 18x24
- ·titanium white oil paint
- ·yellow ochre oil paint
- ·ultramarine blue oil paint
- ·burnt umber oil paint
- ·sap green oil paint
- ·round brushes (sizes 2, 4, 6)
- ·palette
optional
- ·palette knife
- ·linseed oil
- ·painting medium
Use a medium-tooth canvas for best results. Consider using a glazing medium to enhance the depth and luminosity of the colors.
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