plate no. 5592

Cliff in the slope of Aragats

Martiros Sarian, 1958

oilRealismlandscapemountainscliffslandscapetreesvegetationsky

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in layering colors to create depth and form, as well as simplifying complex landscapes into basic shapes and values. It also provides practice in using visible brushstrokes to add texture and interest.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 8 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Sketch the basic composition, focusing on the placement of the mountain, cliffs, and horizon line.
step 02
Block in the large shapes of color, starting with the sky and distant mountains.
step 03
Establish the basic values of the cliffs, using darker tones for shadows and lighter tones for highlights.
step 04
Begin layering colors within the cliffs, using a variety of greens, browns, yellows, and oranges.
step 05
Add details to the vegetation, using short, broken brushstrokes to create texture.
step 06
Refine the shapes and values of the cliffs, paying attention to the direction of light.
step 07
Add final details, such as small trees and rocks.
step 08
Adjust the overall color balance and value contrast to create a sense of depth and atmosphere.

color palette

primary · ultramarine blue · yellow ochre · burnt umber · titanium white

secondary · cadmium yellow · cadmium red · viridian green

Mix various shades of green by combining blue and yellow. Create earthy tones by mixing brown with yellow, red, or blue. Use white to lighten colors and create highlights.

techniques

·dry brush texture
·broken color
·layering
·scumbling
·color mixing

common pitfalls

→Overworking the details and losing the overall sense of form.
→Using colors straight from the tube without mixing them.
→Failing to establish a strong value structure.
→Ignoring the direction of light and shadow.

materials

surface · stretched canvas

required

·stretched canvas (16x20 inches)
·oil paints (ultramarine blue, yellow ochre, burnt umber, titanium white, cadmium yellow, cadmium red, viridian green)
·palette
·palette knife
·assorted brushes (flat and round)
·linseed oil
·turpentine or odorless mineral spirits
·rags