plate no. 4542
Granada, the Roofs
Tahir Salahov, 1978
some experience helpful
This painting helps students develop skills in simplifying complex scenes into basic shapes and using a limited palette to create a cohesive and expressive artwork. Students will also learn to create depth through variations in value and line weight.
technical profile
palette complexity
3
brushwork visibility
4
value contrast
4
compositional simplicity
3
study guide
est. 8 hrsapproach — 8 steps
- step 01
Lightly sketch the basic shapes of the buildings, focusing on their relative sizes and positions.
- step 02
Establish the horizon line and the overall composition.
- step 03
Block in the large areas of white for the buildings, using a slightly grayed tone to indicate shadow.
- step 04
Add the darker gray tones to define the shadows and create depth.
- step 05
Paint the red roofs, varying the intensity of the red to create visual interest.
- step 06
Add the details of the windows and doors, using black or dark gray.
- step 07
Paint the sky with a light blue-gray wash.
- step 08
Refine the details and add any final touches.
color palette
primary · titanium white · burnt sienna · ultramarine blue
secondary · black · raw umber
Mix white with small amounts of blue and umber to create the various shades of gray for the buildings. Use burnt sienna straight from the tube for the roofs, or mix with a touch of umber to darken.
techniques
- ·blocking
- ·dry brushing
- ·scumbling
- ·value studies
- ·linear perspective
common pitfalls
- →Overworking the details and losing the simplicity of the original.
- →Making the shadows too dark and losing the sense of light.
- →Using too many colors and creating a muddy effect.
- →Not establishing a clear focal point.
materials
surface · stretched canvas
required
- ·stretched canvas
- ·titanium white oil paint
- ·burnt sienna oil paint
- ·ultramarine blue oil paint
- ·black oil paint
- ·round brush #4
- ·flat brush #8
- ·palette
optional
- ·palette knife
- ·medium linseed oil
- ·easel
A slightly textured canvas will enhance the dry brush effect. Consider pre-toning the canvas with a light gray wash.
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