plate no. 2085
Gayane and a Green Window
Tetyana Yablonska, 2004
some experience helpful
Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in layering pastels to create depth and using expressive mark-making to convey form and light. It's a good exercise in capturing a mood and atmosphere rather than precise detail.
technical profile
palette complexity
3
brushwork visibility
5
value contrast
3
compositional simplicity
3
study guide
est. 6 hrsapproach — 8 steps
- step 01
Lightly sketch the basic composition, indicating the figure, window, and table.
- step 02
Establish the overall color scheme by applying broad strokes of pastel to the background and foreground.
- step 03
Begin layering greens and yellows in the window area to create a sense of light and depth.
- step 04
Define the figure's form with darker pastels, paying attention to the fall of light and shadow.
- step 05
Add details to the table and window sill, using short, broken strokes of pastel.
- step 06
Refine the composition by adding highlights and shadows to create contrast and visual interest.
- step 07
Blend some areas lightly with your finger or a blending stump to soften edges.
- step 08
Add final details and adjust values as needed to complete the painting.
color palette
primary · green · yellow · blue
secondary · brown · grey · white
Mix different shades of green by blending yellow and blue pastels. Use white pastel to create highlights and lighten the overall color palette.
techniques
- ·layering
- ·blending
- ·hatching
- ·scumbling
- ·expressive mark-making
common pitfalls
- →Over-blending, which can result in a muddy or flat appearance.
- →Focusing too much on detail in the early stages.
- →Not establishing a clear value structure.
- →Using too much pressure when applying pastels, which can make it difficult to layer.
materials
surface · Pastel paper (toned)
required
- ·Pastel set (soft pastels)
- ·Pastel paper (toned)
- ·Kneaded eraser
- ·Blending stump or tortillon
- ·Fixative spray
- ·Pencil
- ·Ruler
optional
- ·Workable fixative
- ·Palette knife
- ·Easel
Choose a pastel paper with a slightly rough texture to grip the pastel. A toned paper will help to unify the colors and create a more harmonious composition.
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