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home·artworks·Holy Mountain I
Holy Mountain I by Horace Pippin

plate no. 8836

Holy Mountain I

Horace Pippin, 1944

oilNaïve Art (Primitivism)religious paintinganimalsforestfiguretreesreligious sceneshepherd
some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students practice simplifying complex forms and using a limited palette to create a cohesive composition. It also encourages experimentation with texture and layering.

technical profile

palette complexity
2
brushwork visibility
4
value contrast
3
compositional simplicity
3

study guide

est. 8 hrs

approach — 8 steps

  1. step 01

    Sketch the basic shapes and composition, focusing on the placement of the figures and animals.

  2. step 02

    Block in the background with dark greens and blues, creating a sense of depth.

  3. step 03

    Add the lighter tones for the animals and figures, using a limited palette of whites, browns, and yellows.

  4. step 04

    Develop the details of the trees and foliage, using short, broken brushstrokes.

  5. step 05

    Add the small flowers and other details to the foreground.

  6. step 06

    Refine the shapes and values, paying attention to the overall balance of the composition.

  7. step 07

    Add highlights and shadows to create form and dimension.

  8. step 08

    Let dry and add a final layer of details if needed.

color palette

primary · dark green · white · brown · sky blue

secondary · yellow · red · black

Mix dark greens by combining blues and yellows with a touch of black. Achieve lighter tones by adding white to the primary colors.

techniques

  • ·dry brushing
  • ·layering
  • ·color mixing
  • ·scumbling
  • ·simplification of forms

common pitfalls

  • →Overworking the details
  • →Using too many colors
  • →Ignoring the overall composition
  • →Not simplifying the forms enough

materials

surface · stretched canvas

required

  • ·canvas 16x20
  • ·acrylic or oil paints
  • ·round brushes
  • ·flat brushes
  • ·palette
  • ·palette knife

optional

  • ·painting medium
  • ·varnish
  • ·easel

Use a limited palette of colors to achieve a cohesive look. Consider using acrylics for faster drying time.

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oil painting for beginners →how to learn by studying the masters →
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