plate no. 6654
Fountain of the Virgin Mary in Nazareth
Vasily Polenov, 1882
study guide
est. 12 hrsapproach — 8 steps
- step 01
Sketch the basic shapes and composition, focusing on the placement of the architecture, trees, and figures.
- step 02
Establish the horizon line and the perspective of the buildings and paths.
- step 03
Block in the main color areas: sky, hills, architecture, and foreground.
- step 04
Develop the values, paying attention to the light and shadow on the buildings and trees.
- step 05
Add details to the architecture, such as the stones and arches.
- step 06
Paint the figures, simplifying their forms and focusing on their placement and interaction with the environment.
- step 07
Refine the details in the foreground, adding texture to the path and vegetation.
- step 08
Add final highlights and shadows to create depth and dimension.
color palette
primary · yellow ochre · ultramarine blue · burnt umber · titanium white
secondary · cadmium red · viridian green · raw sienna
Mix greens by combining yellow ochre and ultramarine blue, adjusting the ratio for different shades. Achieve the stone colors by mixing burnt umber, yellow ochre, and white. Use cadmium red to create the figures' clothing.
techniques
- ·blocking in
- ·scumbling
- ·dry brushing
- ·atmospheric perspective
- ·simplified figure painting
common pitfalls
- →Overworking the details and losing the overall impression.
- →Creating muddy colors by overmixing.
- →Failing to establish a clear value structure.
- →Making the figures too detailed or prominent.
materials
surface · stretched canvas
required
- ·stretched canvas 12x16
- ·oil paints
- ·palette
- ·palette knife
- ·assorted brushes (round and flat)
- ·linseed oil
- ·turpentine
- ·rags
optional
- ·painting medium
- ·easel
- ·view finder
Use a medium-textured canvas to allow for visible brushstrokes. Consider using a limited palette to simplify color mixing.
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