plate no. 2632
Archontariki lavra Mount Athos
Spyros Papaloukas, 1924
some experience helpful
Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in color mixing to achieve muted tones and practice loose, expressive brushwork to capture the texture and light. Students will also learn to simplify complex scenes into basic shapes and forms.
technical profile
palette complexity
3
brushwork visibility
4
value contrast
3
compositional simplicity
3
study guide
est. 10 hrsapproach — 8 steps
- step 01
Lightly sketch the basic shapes and composition, focusing on the placement of the table, beds, and other objects.
- step 02
Block in the large areas of color using thin washes. Start with the background walls and then move to the table and beds.
- step 03
Mix the muted color palette by combining primary colors with white and small amounts of complementary colors.
- step 04
Apply thicker paint to the table and foreground objects, using visible brushstrokes to create texture.
- step 05
Add details like the patterns on the tablecloth and the shapes of the objects on the table.
- step 06
Refine the edges and shapes of the objects, paying attention to the way light and shadow define their forms.
- step 07
Add final highlights and shadows to create depth and dimension.
- step 08
Step back and assess the overall balance and harmony of the painting, making any necessary adjustments.
color palette
primary · grayish blue · yellow ochre · white
secondary · burnt sienna · rose pink
Achieve the muted tones by mixing primary colors with white and small amounts of their complements. For example, mix blue with a touch of orange to create a grayish-blue.
techniques
- ·dry brush texture
- ·color mixing
- ·blocking in
- ·scumbling
- ·broken color
common pitfalls
- →Overworking the details and losing the loose, expressive quality of the brushwork.
- →Using colors that are too bright or saturated.
- →Failing to simplify the complex scene into basic shapes and forms.
- →Not paying attention to the subtle variations in color and value.
materials
surface · stretched canvas
required
- ·stretched canvas
- ·acrylic or oil paints
- ·round brushes
- ·flat brushes
- ·palette
- ·palette knife
- ·linseed oil (if using oil paints)
- ·mineral spirits or turpentine (for cleaning brushes)
optional
- ·medium gloss
- ·easel
- ·painting rags
Use a medium-grit canvas to allow for texture. Acrylics are more beginner-friendly due to faster drying times.
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