plate no. 3816

Funeral Symphony (IV)

Mikalojus Konstantinas Ciurlionis, 1903

pastel, paperSymbolismsymbolic paintingtreeslandscapeskysunsetpathforest

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in layering colors with pastels and creating atmospheric perspective. It also provides practice in simplifying complex landscapes into basic shapes and values.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 8 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Sketch the basic composition, focusing on the placement of the trees and the horizon line.
step 02
Establish the darkest values in the foreground and the tree trunks using dark blues and browns.
step 03
Layer in the mid-tones of the hillsides with greens and blues, creating subtle variations in color.
step 04
Add the highlights on the trees and the ground using yellows and oranges to simulate light.
step 05
Blend the colors softly to create a hazy, atmospheric effect.
step 06
Develop the sky with soft gradients of orange, blue, and yellow.
step 07
Refine the details of the trees and the ground, adding texture with short, broken strokes.
step 08
Adjust the overall values and colors to achieve the desired mood and atmosphere.

color palette

primary · Prussian blue · Yellow ochre · Burnt umber

secondary · Orange · Sap green · Titanium white

Mix blues and browns for the tree trunks, greens and blues for the hills, and yellows and oranges for highlights. Use white to lighten colors and create atmospheric haze.

techniques