plate no. 1267

Grave of a Suicide Victim

Wilhelm Kotarbinski, 1900

oilSymbolismsymbolic paintingflowerslandscapenightskyfoliagestone

some experience helpful

This painting provides practice in creating atmospheric perspective and using a limited color palette to evoke mood. Students will learn to blend colors smoothly to create a sense of depth and mystery.

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 stone and the flower.
step 02
Block in the dark background using a mix of blues, purples, and browns.
step 03
Establish the horizon line and distant hills with lighter shades of the background colors.
step 04
Paint the stone, using a base of gray and adding highlights and shadows with ochre, white, and brown.
step 05
Add the flower stem and leaves, using a thin brush and a mix of greens and browns.
step 06
Paint the white flowers, using a light touch and adding subtle shadows with gray and blue.
step 07
Add details to the foreground, such as small rocks and foliage, using a dry brush technique.
step 08
Refine the highlights and shadows throughout the painting to create depth and dimension.

color palette

primary · ultramarine blue · burnt umber · titanium white

secondary · yellow ochre · sap green · ivory black

Achieve the dark, atmospheric background by mixing ultramarine blue, burnt umber, and a touch of ivory black. Use yellow ochre and white to create the highlights on the stone.

techniques

·dry brushing
·blending
·atmospheric perspective
·scumbling
·glazing

common pitfalls

→Overworking the details in the background, which can flatten the image.
→Using too much white, which can make the colors look chalky.
→Ignoring the subtle color variations in the stone, which can make it look flat.
→Making the flower too bright, which can distract from the overall mood.