plate no. 9493

In old Yerevan

Martiros Sarian, 1930

oilExpressionismcityscapecityscapebuildingstreesfiguresmountainsky

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in layering colors to create depth and atmosphere, as well as simplifying complex scenes into basic shapes and values. It also provides practice in capturing light and shadow to define forms.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 8 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Sketch the basic shapes and composition, focusing on the placement of the buildings, mountain, and tree.
step 02
Block in the main color areas with thin washes of paint, starting with the sky and mountain.
step 03
Add the darker values to define the shadows and create depth in the buildings and foreground.
step 04
Layer in the mid-tones and highlights, paying attention to the light direction and how it affects the colors.
step 05
Use short, broken brushstrokes to create texture in the trees and foliage.
step 06
Add details to the buildings, such as windows and architectural features.
step 07
Paint the figures and animals in the foreground, using simple shapes and colors.
step 08
Refine the details and adjust the values as needed to create a cohesive and balanced painting.

color palette

primary · titanium white · yellow ochre · burnt umber · ultramarine blue

secondary · cadmium red · sap green · violet

Mix white with small amounts of blue and violet for the sky. Use yellow ochre and burnt umber for the buildings, adding touches of red and blue for variation. Mix greens from blue and yellow ochre, and lighten with white.

techniques