plate no. 3448

Filopappou Monument

Spyros Vassiliou, 1969

oilPost-Impressionismlandscaperockstreesskymountainsfoliagemonument

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in layering colors to create depth and texture, as well as simplifying complex forms into basic shapes.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 12 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Sketch the basic shapes and composition, focusing on the placement of the rocks and mountains.
step 02
Block in the sky with light blue, adding white for clouds.
step 03
Establish the dark values of the distant mountains with a mix of blue and green.
step 04
Begin layering the rocks with a base of ochre and brown, adding highlights with white and pale yellow.
step 05
Paint the foliage with various shades of green, using short, broken brushstrokes.
step 06
Add details to the monument, paying attention to the light and shadow.
step 07
Refine the foreground with small strokes of color to represent the gravel and texture.
step 08
Add final highlights and shadows to create depth and dimension.

color palette

primary · ultramarine blue · yellow ochre · titanium white · burnt umber

secondary · sap green · cadmium yellow · raw sienna

Mix ultramarine and burnt umber for the dark mountain shadows. Use yellow ochre and white to create the lighter tones of the rocks. Mix sap green with cadmium yellow for brighter foliage highlights.

techniques