plate no. 1423
Eriklik the Fountain (Crimea)
Fyodor Vasilyev, 1872
some experience helpful
Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in atmospheric perspective and color mixing to create depth and subtle variations in light and shadow.
technical profile
palette complexity
4
brushwork visibility
3
value contrast
3
compositional simplicity
3
study guide
est. 15 hrsapproach — 8 steps
- step 01
Sketch the basic composition, focusing on the placement of the fountain, mountains, and trees.
- step 02
Establish the horizon line and the overall perspective of the scene.
- step 03
Block in the main color areas: sky, mountains, water, and foreground.
- step 04
Develop the sky with soft, blended colors, paying attention to the subtle gradations.
- step 05
Layer the mountains, using lighter and cooler tones for distant peaks to create atmospheric perspective.
- step 06
Paint the trees, varying the greens and adding shadows to create depth.
- step 07
Add details to the fountain and surrounding park area, including the benches and pathways.
- step 08
Refine the details and adjust the values to create a sense of realism and depth.
color palette
primary · yellow ochre · cerulean blue · raw umber · titanium white
secondary · cadmium yellow · alizarin crimson · viridian
Mix muted greens by combining yellow ochre, cerulean blue, and a touch of raw umber. Achieve atmospheric perspective by lightening colors with white and adding a touch of blue as they recede into the distance.
techniques
- ·atmospheric perspective
- ·color blending
- ·layering
- ·scumbling
- ·glazing
common pitfalls
- →Overworking the details too early in the process.
- →Failing to create a sense of depth through atmospheric perspective.
- →Using colors that are too saturated, resulting in a less realistic appearance.
- →Ignoring the subtle value changes in the sky and mountains.
materials
surface · stretched canvas
required
- ·stretched canvas 18x24
- ·titanium white oil paint
- ·yellow ochre oil paint
- ·cerulean blue oil paint
- ·raw umber oil paint
- ·round brushes (sizes 2, 4, 6)
- ·flat brushes (sizes 4, 8)
- ·linseed oil
optional
- ·palette knife
- ·turpentine
- ·retouch varnish
Use a medium-grain canvas for best results. Consider pre-toning the canvas with a thin wash of raw umber to create a warmer base.
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