plate no. 2268
Camouflage Aka. Nowstalgia
Abdul Mati Klarwein, 1987
experienced study
Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in perspective, layering, and creating texture with brushstrokes. It also provides practice in color mixing to achieve subtle variations in earth tones and foliage.
technical profile
palette complexity
4
brushwork visibility
3
value contrast
3
compositional simplicity
2
study guide
est. 20 hrsapproach — 8 steps
- step 01
Sketch the basic layout, focusing on the perspective of the fields and the winding path.
- step 02
Establish the horizon line and the overall proportions of the landscape.
- step 03
Block in the main areas of color: the sky, fields, path, and distant hills.
- step 04
Begin layering the colors in the fields, creating the terraced effect with subtle variations in tone.
- step 05
Paint the trees, paying attention to their shapes and spacing.
- step 06
Add details to the path, including shadows and highlights.
- step 07
Refine the details in the foreground, adding texture to the trees and fields.
- step 08
Add final highlights and shadows to create depth and dimension.
color palette
primary · burnt umber · yellow ochre · ultramarine blue
secondary · titanium white · sap green · cadmium red
Mix burnt umber and yellow ochre for the base of the fields. Add ultramarine blue to create the cooler tones of the trees. Use white to lighten the colors and create highlights.
techniques
- ·layering
- ·dry brushing
- ·scumbling
- ·atmospheric perspective
- ·color mixing
common pitfalls
- →Getting lost in the details too early.
- →Not establishing a strong sense of perspective.
- →Using colors that are too saturated.
- →Failing to create enough variation in the tones of the fields.
materials
surface · stretched canvas
required
- ·stretched canvas
- ·acrylic or oil paints
- ·round brushes (various sizes)
- ·flat brushes (various sizes)
- ·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-grain canvas for best results. Consider using a limited palette to simplify the color mixing process.
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