plate no. 7430
Galicia
Arturo Souto, 1963
some experience helpful
Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in layering colors and creating texture with pastels. It also encourages observation of light and shadow in a complex scene.
technical profile
palette complexity
4
brushwork visibility
5
value contrast
3
compositional simplicity
3
study guide
est. 8 hrsapproach — 8 steps
- step 01
Lightly sketch the main shapes and composition, focusing on placement of the buildings, figures, and animal.
- step 02
Establish the background with broad strokes of pastel, layering greens, browns, and grays for the foliage.
- step 03
Block in the basic colors of the buildings, using lighter tones for the sunlit areas and darker tones for shadows.
- step 04
Add details to the figures, paying attention to the folds in their clothing and the highlights on their faces.
- step 05
Define the animal with short, textured strokes of brown and white pastel.
- step 06
Refine the details of the buildings, adding windows, doors, and roof tiles.
- step 07
Blend and soften edges where needed, using a blending stump or your finger.
- step 08
Add final highlights and shadows to create depth and dimension.
color palette
primary · burnt umber · raw sienna · titanium white
secondary · ultramarine blue · sap green · cadmium yellow
Mix browns with blues and yellows to create muted greens and grays for the foliage. Use white to lighten colors and create highlights.
techniques
- ·pastel layering
- ·blending
- ·scumbling
- ·dry brush
- ·value gradation
common pitfalls
- →Over-blending, which can result in a muddy appearance.
- →Neglecting the importance of value contrast.
- →Getting lost in the details too early in the process.
- →Not establishing a clear focal point.
materials
surface · pastel paper
required
- ·assorted soft pastels
- ·pastel paper
- ·kneaded eraser
- ·blending stumps
- ·fixative spray
- ·drawing board
- ·paper towels
optional
- ·palette knife
- ·workable fixative
- ·view finder
Choose a pastel paper with a slightly textured surface to grip the pastel. Use workable fixative sparingly to prevent over-saturation.
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