plate no. 5982
Church in Evening Light
some experience helpful
Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in layering colors to create atmospheric effects and capturing the essence of a scene with loose, expressive brushstrokes. It also provides practice in simplifying complex forms into basic shapes.
technical profile
palette complexity
3
brushwork visibility
4
value contrast
3
compositional simplicity
3
study guide
est. 8 hrsapproach — 8 steps
- step 01
Sketch the basic shapes of the church, tree, and horizon line.
- step 02
Block in the main color areas: sky, building, tree, and foreground.
- step 03
Establish the light and shadow patterns on the building and tree.
- step 04
Develop the sky with layers of blended colors to create the sunset effect.
- step 05
Add details to the building, such as windows and architectural features.
- step 06
Refine the tree branches and foliage with varied brushstrokes.
- step 07
Add highlights and shadows to the foreground to create depth.
- step 08
Review and adjust the overall composition and color balance.
color palette
primary · burnt sienna · ultramarine blue · yellow ochre · titanium white
secondary · cadmium orange · raw umber
Mix burnt sienna and ultramarine blue for the building's brick color. Use yellow ochre and white for the sky's warm tones. Add cadmium orange to the sky for sunset hues.
techniques
- ·dry brush texture
- ·scumbling
- ·color layering
- ·broken color
- ·atmospheric perspective
common pitfalls
- →Overworking the details of the building, losing the loose, painterly feel.
- →Creating muddy colors by over-mixing.
- →Failing to capture the subtle color variations in the sky.
- →Making the tree too symmetrical or stiff.
materials
surface · stretched canvas
required
- ·stretched canvas (12x16 inches)
- ·acrylic or oil paints
- ·round brushes (#2, #6)
- ·flat brush (#8)
- ·palette
- ·palette knife
- ·linseed oil (if using oil paints)
- ·odorless mineral spirits (for cleaning brushes)
optional
- ·easel
- ·medium gloss
- ·painting rags
Use a canvas with a medium texture to enhance the brushstrokes. Acrylics are more beginner-friendly due to faster drying times.
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