plate no. 4946

Even Song

Agnes Lawrence Pelton, 1930

oilPrecisionismsymbolic paintingvasewaterskystarssmokehill

some experience helpful

This painting provides practice in blending smooth gradients and creating a sense of light emanating from a central object. Students will also learn to simplify complex forms into basic shapes and use color to create depth.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 8 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Sketch the basic shapes: the vase, the hill, and the water lines.
step 02
Establish the background sky with a gradient from dark blue at the top to lighter blue near the horizon.
step 03
Block in the base color of the hill and water.
step 04
Begin layering the colors of the vase, starting with the brightest yellow at the center and blending outwards to orange and brown.
step 05
Add the smoke-like forms emanating from the vase, using white and light gray.
step 06
Paint the details of the water and the highlights on the hill.
step 07
Add the stars in the sky with small dots of white and yellow.
step 08
Refine the edges and blending to create a smooth, ethereal feel.

color palette

primary · yellow · blue · orange · white

secondary · brown · gray · gold

Achieve the vase's gradient by mixing yellow with orange and then orange with brown. Use white to lighten the blue for the sky gradient and to create the smoke effect.

techniques