plate no. 0963
Comet
Wassily Kandinsky, 1900
some experience helpful
Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in simplifying complex scenes into basic shapes and using expressive brushstrokes to convey mood and atmosphere. Students will also learn to work with a limited color palette to create a cohesive and impactful image.
technical profile
palette complexity
3
brushwork visibility
4
value contrast
3
compositional simplicity
3
study guide
est. 6 hrsapproach — 8 steps
- step 01
Lightly sketch the basic shapes: the building, river, hills, and comet.
- step 02
Block in the large areas of color: the orange-brown for the foreground and building, blue for the river and hills, and purple for the sky.
- step 03
Add the darker blue tones to define the trees and shadows.
- step 04
Paint the yellow comet and white clouds, blending the edges slightly.
- step 05
Add details to the building, such as windows and architectural features.
- step 06
Define the river's edge with darker and lighter blues.
- step 07
Add the figure and any other small details.
- step 08
Review and adjust colors and values as needed to achieve the desired effect.
color palette
primary · orange-brown · cobalt blue · purple
secondary · yellow · white · green
Mix the orange-brown by combining burnt sienna, yellow ochre, and a touch of red. Create the purple by mixing blue and red, adjusting the ratio for different shades. The green is a mix of blue and yellow.
techniques
- ·blocking in
- ·expressive brushstrokes
- ·color mixing
- ·layering
- ·simplification
common pitfalls
- →Overworking the details and losing the simplicity of the original.
- →Using too many colors and creating a muddy effect.
- →Not capturing the expressive quality of the brushstrokes.
- →Failing to simplify the forms and creating a cluttered composition.
materials
surface · stretched canvas
required
- ·Stretched canvas (12x16 inches)
- ·Acrylic or oil paints
- ·Round and flat brushes (various sizes)
- ·Palette
- ·Palette knife
- ·Odorless mineral spirits or water (depending on paint type)
- ·Rags or paper towels
optional
- ·Medium for oil paints
- ·Easel
- ·Apron
Use a canvas with a slightly textured surface to enhance the brushstroke effect. Acrylics are more beginner-friendly due to their faster drying time.
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