plate no. 0840
Evening Lights
Valeria Trubina, 2003
some experience helpful
Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in color mixing to create atmospheric perspective and learn how to depict reflections in water using directional brushstrokes.
technical profile
palette complexity
3
brushwork visibility
4
value contrast
4
compositional simplicity
3
study guide
est. 8 hrsapproach — 8 steps
- step 01
Sketch the basic composition, focusing on the horizon line and placement of trees.
- step 02
Block in the sky with light blue and yellow hues, blending softly.
- step 03
Establish the dark masses of the trees using a mix of blues and browns.
- step 04
Paint the water with horizontal strokes, varying the blue tones to create depth.
- step 05
Add reflections of the trees and sky in the water, using lighter values.
- step 06
Introduce small highlights and details to the trees and water to create interest.
- step 07
Refine the edges of the trees and reflections for a softer, more atmospheric effect.
- step 08
Add final touches of light to the water surface to simulate the evening light.
color palette
primary · ultramarine blue · yellow ochre · titanium white
secondary · burnt umber · cerulean blue
Mix ultramarine blue with burnt umber to create the dark tones for the trees. Use yellow ochre and white to create the warm glow of the sky. Mix blues and white for the water, varying the proportions to create depth.
techniques
- ·wet-on-wet blending
- ·directional brushstrokes
- ·scumbling
- ·atmospheric perspective
- ·glazing
common pitfalls
- →Overworking the details, losing the atmospheric effect.
- →Making the reflections too symmetrical or uniform.
- →Using too much dark color in the water, flattening the depth.
- →Failing to blend the sky colors smoothly.
materials
surface · stretched canvas
required
- ·stretched canvas
- ·ultramarine blue oil paint
- ·yellow ochre oil paint
- ·titanium white oil paint
- ·burnt umber oil paint
- ·cerulean blue oil paint
- ·round brushes (various sizes)
- ·palette
optional
- ·palette knife
- ·linseed oil
- ·painting medium
Use a medium-grain canvas for best results. Consider using a glazing medium to enhance the luminosity of the colors.
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