
plate no. 9738
Constant Permeke, 1930
Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in creating atmospheric perspective and simplifying complex scenes into basic shapes. It also provides practice in using a limited color palette to create a cohesive mood.
technical profile
approach — 8 steps
Sketch the basic composition, focusing on the horizon line and the placement of the buildings.
Block in the sky with a thin wash of yellow ochre and grey, creating a gradient from light to dark.
Establish the snow-covered ground with a mixture of white, grey, and a touch of brown.
Paint the buildings using dark browns and blacks, simplifying their forms.
Add details to the foreground elements, such as the plants, with expressive brushstrokes.
Create the moon with a pale yellow, softening the edges.
Add subtle highlights and shadows to create depth and dimension.
Refine the details and adjust the values to achieve the desired atmospheric effect.
color palette
primary · yellow ochre · raw umber · titanium white
secondary · ivory black · burnt umber
Mix various shades of grey by combining white, black, and small amounts of brown. Use yellow ochre to create a warm, muted glow in the sky.
techniques
common pitfalls
surface · stretched canvas
required
optional
Use a medium-grit canvas to allow for texture. Consider using a fast-drying medium to speed up the drying time.
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