plate no. 8230
Glow
Raiskina Marina, 2013
some experience helpful
This painting is great for practicing layering techniques and creating texture with acrylics. Students will learn to simplify complex forms into basic shapes and use color to create a focal point.
technical profile
palette complexity
3
brushwork visibility
4
value contrast
4
compositional simplicity
4
study guide
est. 6 hrsapproach — 8 steps
- step 01
Sketch a light circle for the sun and the basic shape of the tree.
- step 02
Block in the background with a muted brown color.
- step 03
Paint the yellow circle, varying the intensity for depth.
- step 04
Add the tree trunk and branches with a dark gray or black, using a thin brush.
- step 05
Apply textured strokes of gray around the sun to represent the foliage.
- step 06
Add small dabs of yellow on top of the gray foliage to create highlights.
- step 07
Refine the details of the branches and foliage, adding more texture.
- step 08
Add the signature in the bottom right corner.
color palette
primary · yellow · dark brown · gray
secondary · black · ochre
Mix the background color by combining brown with a touch of black and yellow. Vary the yellow by adding white or a touch of orange for highlights.
techniques
- ·dry brushing
- ·layering
- ·scumbling
- ·color mixing
common pitfalls
- →Overworking the foliage, resulting in a muddy appearance.
- →Making the branches too uniform and symmetrical.
- →Not varying the pressure when applying the textured strokes.
- →Using too much water with the acrylics, losing the texture.
materials
surface · stretched canvas
required
- ·stretched canvas
- ·acrylic paints (yellow, dark brown, gray, black)
- ·round brushes (various sizes)
- ·flat brush
- ·palette
- ·water container
- ·paper towels
optional
- ·palette knife
- ·acrylic medium
Use heavy body acrylics for better texture. A textured canvas can enhance the effect.
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