plate no. 4345

Evening in the Caspian Sea

Sattar Bahlulzade, 1959

oilImpressionismlandscapeseabirdsbuildingsskywaterislands

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in atmospheric perspective and loose, expressive brushwork to create a sense of distance and mood. It also provides practice in capturing the subtle variations of light and color in a hazy environment.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 10 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Sketch the basic composition, including the horizon line, islands, and the general shapes of the buildings in the background.
step 02
Block in the large areas of color: the sky, water, and distant landmass, using thin washes.
step 03
Establish the atmospheric perspective by making the distant elements lighter and bluer than the foreground.
step 04
Add details to the buildings and islands, focusing on capturing their shapes and values rather than precise details.
step 05
Paint the birds, paying attention to their poses and how they interact with the water and islands.
step 06
Refine the reflections in the water, using broken brushstrokes to create a sense of movement.
step 07
Add final highlights and shadows to enhance the depth and dimension of the painting.
step 08
Glaze with thin washes to unify the colors and create a sense of atmosphere.

color palette

primary · ultramarine blue · titanium white · yellow ochre

secondary · burnt umber · alizarin crimson

Mix various shades of blue and white for the sky and water. Use yellow ochre and white for the hazy sunlight. Add small amounts of burnt umber and alizarin crimson to create warmer tones for the buildings and islands.

techniques