plate no. 2859
Dragushka and the lying goat
suitable for beginners
Recreating this painting will help students practice simplifying complex scenes into basic shapes and using a limited color palette to create a cohesive image. It also encourages experimentation with expressive brushstrokes and bold color choices.
technical profile
palette complexity
3
brushwork visibility
3
value contrast
4
compositional simplicity
3
study guide
est. 6 hrsapproach — 8 steps
- step 01
Sketch the basic shapes of the composition: the landscape, figures, and animals.
- step 02
Block in the sky with a base color of red, blending in hints of purple and orange.
- step 03
Paint the landscape with broad strokes of yellow, blue, and green, creating distinct color blocks.
- step 04
Add the trees using simplified oval shapes in blue and green.
- step 05
Paint the figures and animals using flat colors, focusing on their silhouettes.
- step 06
Add details to the figures and animals, such as facial features and clothing patterns.
- step 07
Refine the edges of the shapes and add any final details.
- step 08
Let it dry.
color palette
primary · red · yellow · blue · black
secondary · green · brown · white
Mix red with white to create lighter shades for the sky. Combine blue and yellow to achieve different greens for the landscape and trees. Use black sparingly for the goat and dog.
techniques
- ·flat color application
- ·shape simplification
- ·limited palette
- ·expressive brushstrokes
- ·silhouette painting
common pitfalls
- →Overcomplicating the shapes and details.
- →Using too many colors.
- →Blending colors too much and losing the distinct color blocks.
- →Not paying attention to the overall composition.
- →Making the black too overpowering.
materials
surface · stretched canvas
required
- ·acrylic paints
- ·canvas or paper
- ·assorted brushes
- ·palette
- ·water
- ·pencil
optional
- ·palette knife
- ·easel
- ·apron
Use student-grade acrylics for affordability. A variety of brush sizes will be helpful for filling in different areas.
tips & new artworks in your inbox
no spam — unsubscribe anytime.
or to save artworks, chat, and track progress
in this vein
related artworks
Dolly Sisters
Kees van Dongen
Nude with Loaves
Jean Helion
My Father
Carlos Botelho
Helen
Chronis Botsoglou
The portrait painter in the country
Albin Egger-Lienz
Marketta on Lázeňská street, Prague
Maria Bozoky
Winter at the Entrepotdok, in Amsterdam city
Paul Werner
Old Woman with Masks (Theatre of Masks)
James Ensor