plate no. 5067

Cross on the Shed

Stefan Caltia, 2005

oilMagic Realismlandscapebuildingtreeslandscapeskyhillcross

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students practice layering colors to create depth and texture, as well as simplifying complex forms into basic shapes. It also encourages experimentation with color relationships to achieve a unique mood.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 8 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Sketch the basic shapes of the building, hill, and trees, paying attention to their relative sizes and positions.
step 02
Block in the sky with a light gray, blending it smoothly.
step 03
Apply the base color for the hill (dark green) and the building (blue-gray), establishing the main areas of color.
step 04
Begin layering lighter greens on the hill to create highlights and shadows, following the contours of the land.
step 05
Add details to the building, including the roof, the cross, and any visible windows or architectural features.
step 06
Paint the bare tree branches with thin lines of dark brown or black.
step 07
Use small dabs of white paint to create the blossoms on the trees, varying the size and density of the dabs to suggest depth.
step 08
Add final details and adjust colors as needed to achieve the desired effect.

color palette

primary · gray · blue · green

secondary · white · brown · black

Mix different shades of green by combining blue, yellow, and a touch of brown. Achieve the blue-gray of the building by mixing blue with gray and a hint of white.

techniques