plate no. 6773

Calvary

oilExpressionismreligious paintinglandscapehillsfiguresskymoonhorse

some experience helpful

This painting provides practice in simplifying complex landscapes into basic shapes and using a limited palette to create a cohesive atmosphere. Students will learn to create depth through layering and subtle value changes.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 8 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Sketch the basic shapes of the hills and the horizon line.
step 02
Block in the sky with a light, muted color.
step 03
Establish the darkest values in the shadows of the hills.
step 04
Add the lighter values to define the forms of the hills and cliffs.
step 05
Paint the figures as simple silhouettes.
step 06
Add the small details like the house and the figures on the hilltop.
step 07
Refine the colors and values to create depth and atmosphere.
step 08
Add final highlights to emphasize the light source.

color palette

primary · olive green · raw umber · titanium white · yellow ochre

secondary · burnt sienna · ultramarine blue · cadmium red light

Mix greens by combining yellow ochre and ultramarine blue. Create muted tones by adding raw umber or burnt sienna to other colors.

techniques

·blocking in
·layering
·dry brushing
·scumbling
·limited palette

common pitfalls

→Overworking the details and losing the simplicity of the composition.
→Using colors that are too bright and saturated.
→Not establishing a clear value structure.
→Making the figures too detailed and distracting.

materials

surface · stretched canvas

required

·stretched canvas
·oil paints
·round brushes
·flat brushes
·palette
·palette knife
·linseed oil
·odorless mineral spirits

optional

·painting medium
·varnish
·easel

Use a medium-textured canvas to help with the dry brush technique.

tips & new artworks in your inbox

no spam — unsubscribe anytime.

or to save artworks, chat, and track progress

chat about this artwork

in this vein

related artworks

Dolly Sisters

Kees van Dongen

Nude with Loaves

Jean Helion

My Father

Carlos Botelho

Helen

Chronis Botsoglou

The portrait painter in the country

Albin Egger-Lienz

Marketta on Lázeňská street, Prague

Maria Bozoky

Winter at the Entrepotdok, in Amsterdam city

Paul Werner

Old Woman with Masks (Theatre of Masks)

James Ensor