plate no. 6470
Crimson time
Arkady Rylov, 1918
some experience helpful
Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in layering colors to create depth and atmosphere, as well as understanding the effects of light and shadow on a landscape. It's also a good exercise in simplifying complex forms into basic shapes.
technical profile
palette complexity
3
brushwork visibility
3
value contrast
4
compositional simplicity
3
study guide
est. 8 hrsapproach — 8 steps
- step 01
Sketch the basic composition, focusing on the horizon line and the placement of the main tree groups.
- step 02
Establish the sky with soft, blended colors, creating a subtle gradient.
- step 03
Block in the distant forest with a base layer of muted oranges and browns.
- step 04
Define the foreground field with darker tones, paying attention to the areas of shadow.
- step 05
Add the main trees, starting with the darker evergreens and then the lighter, autumnal trees.
- step 06
Layer highlights and shadows on the trees to create form and depth.
- step 07
Add smaller details like shrubs and grasses in the foreground.
- step 08
Refine the overall painting, adjusting values and colors as needed to create a cohesive and atmospheric landscape.
color palette
primary · burnt umber · yellow ochre · titanium white · cadmium orange
secondary · ultramarine blue · alizarin crimson · sap green
Mix burnt umber and yellow ochre for the base tones of the field and distant trees. Add white to lighten these colors for highlights. Use ultramarine blue and alizarin crimson for the sky, and mix with white to create soft pinks and purples.
techniques
- ·layering
- ·blending
- ·scumbling
- ·atmospheric perspective
common pitfalls
- →Overworking the details in the foreground.
- →Creating too much contrast, which can flatten the image.
- →Not establishing a clear light source.
- →Using colors straight from the tube without mixing them.
materials
surface · stretched canvas
required
- ·stretched canvas 12x24
- ·burnt umber oil paint
- ·yellow ochre oil paint
- ·titanium white oil paint
- ·cadmium orange oil paint
- ·round brushes size 2, 4, and 6
- ·linseed oil
- ·palette
optional
- ·palette knife
- ·painting medium
- ·easel
Use a medium-tooth canvas for best results. Consider using a glazing medium to enhance the depth and luminosity of the colors.
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