plate no. 3099

Arshan

Mikhail Olennikov, 1995

oilRealismlandscapemountainstreesriverrocksbuildingslandscape

study guide

est. 8 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Sketch the basic composition, including the mountains, treeline, river, and buildings.
step 02
Establish the sky and distant mountains with light blue and white washes.
step 03
Block in the darker values of the treeline using a mix of greens, browns, and blues.
step 04
Add details to the trees, varying the colors with yellows and oranges to suggest autumn foliage.
step 05
Paint the river with varying shades of blue, gray, and white, suggesting the flow of water.
step 06
Add the rocks in the foreground, paying attention to their shapes and shadows.
step 07
Paint the buildings with muted colors, integrating them into the landscape.
step 08
Add final highlights and details to enhance the sense of depth and realism.

color palette

primary · titanium white · cerulean blue · yellow ochre

secondary · burnt umber · sap green · cadmium yellow

Mix blues and white for the sky and mountains. Use yellow ochre and burnt umber for the trees and rocks. Add small amounts of red or green to create muted tones.

techniques

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

common pitfalls

→Overworking the details, resulting in a stiff and unnatural look.
→Failing to create a sense of depth through color and value changes.
→Using colors that are too bright or saturated, which can detract from the overall harmony.
→Ignoring the subtle variations in color and texture within each element of the landscape.