plate no. 2221

In the Light of the Setting Sun

Victor Borisov-Musatov, 1904

canvas, temperaImpressionismgenre paintingfigureslandscapebuildingtreespathsky

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in color mixing for atmospheric perspective and layering brushstrokes to create texture and form. It also provides practice in simplifying complex shapes into basic forms.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 8 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Sketch the basic composition, including the horizon line, building, figures, and major tree masses.
step 02
Block in the sky with light blue, gradually adding white for the clouds.
step 03
Establish the basic green tones of the grass, varying the shades to create depth.
step 04
Paint the building with white, adding subtle shadows to define its form.
step 05
Block in the trees with dark greens and browns, using short, broken brushstrokes.
step 06
Paint the figures with simplified shapes and colors, focusing on the overall impression.
step 07
Add details to the path and foreground, using lighter tones to suggest sunlight.
step 08
Refine the details and adjust the colors to achieve the desired atmospheric effect.

color palette

primary · ultramarine blue · yellow ochre · titanium white · sap green

secondary · burnt umber · alizarin crimson · cadmium yellow light

Mix greens by combining yellow ochre and ultramarine blue. Create atmospheric perspective by adding white to colors for distant objects. Achieve the building's color by mixing white with a touch of yellow ochre and ultramarine blue.

techniques