plate no. 8498

In Barfursh. Persia.

Martiros Sarian, 1913

oil, canvasPost-Impressionismcityscapecityscapefiguresbuildingswalltreessky

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students practice color mixing to achieve warm and cool tones and learn to simplify complex scenes into basic shapes. It also provides practice in capturing light and shadow to create depth and form.

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 buildings, wall, and figures.
step 02
Block in the large shapes of color, starting with the sky and the ground.
step 03
Establish the values (light and dark) of the main elements, paying attention to the shadows.
step 04
Mix the colors for the buildings and the wall, using warm tones and subtle variations.
step 05
Add the details of the figures, simplifying their forms and focusing on their silhouettes.
step 06
Refine the foliage and trees, using short, broken brushstrokes to create texture.
step 07
Add highlights and shadows to enhance the three-dimensionality of the scene.
step 08
Review the painting and make any necessary adjustments to the colors, values, and details.

color palette

primary · yellow ochre · burnt sienna · ultramarine blue

secondary · cadmium yellow · alizarin crimson · viridian green

Mix yellow ochre and burnt sienna for the warm tones of the buildings and walls. Use ultramarine blue and white for the sky, and mix ultramarine with yellow ochre for the greens. Add alizarin crimson to burnt sienna for richer reds.

techniques

·blocking in
·broken color
·scumbling
·simplification
·color temperature

common pitfalls

→Overworking the details and losing the overall impression.
→Using colors straight from the tube without mixing.
→Failing to establish a clear value structure.
→Ignoring the effect of light and shadow on the forms.

materials

surface · stretched canvas

required

·stretched canvas
·oil paints (yellow ochre, burnt sienna, ultramarine blue, cadmium yellow, alizarin crimson, viridian green, titanium white)
·palette
·palette knife
·assorted brushes (flat and round)
·linseed oil
·odorless mineral spirits
·rags