plate no. 3686
In the Twilight
Eugène Jansson, 1902
some experience helpful
Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in atmospheric perspective and using a limited color palette to create a mood. Students will also practice layering and scumbling techniques to create texture and depth.
technical profile
palette complexity
3
brushwork visibility
4
value contrast
4
compositional simplicity
3
study guide
est. 8 hrsapproach — 8 steps
- step 01
Sketch the basic composition, focusing on the perspective of the street and the placement of the buildings and trees.
- step 02
Establish the darkest values in the foreground and the darkest areas of the trees.
- step 03
Begin layering in the mid-tones, using a mix of blues and greens to create the overall atmosphere.
- step 04
Add lighter values to the buildings and the area of light at the end of the street.
- step 05
Use short, broken brushstrokes to create texture in the trees and the street.
- step 06
Blend some areas to create a sense of depth and atmosphere, while leaving other areas more textured.
- step 07
Add the final details, such as the street lamp and any subtle highlights.
- step 08
Glaze with thin layers to adjust values and color as needed.
color palette
primary · Prussian Blue · Viridian Green · Titanium White
secondary · Yellow Ochre · Ultramarine Blue
Mix Prussian Blue and Viridian Green for the dominant blue-green hues. Add Titanium White to lighten the colors and create atmospheric perspective. Use Yellow Ochre sparingly to create the warm glow of the light at the end of the street.
techniques
- ·Scumbling
- ·Layering
- ·Atmospheric Perspective
- ·Limited Palette
- ·Broken Brushstrokes
common pitfalls
- →Overblending, which can flatten the image
- →Using too much detail in the background, which can reduce the sense of depth
- →Failing to establish a strong value structure
- →Getting the perspective wrong
materials
surface · Stretched canvas
required
- ·Stretched canvas 12x16
- ·#4 round brush
- ·#6 flat brush
- ·Prussian Blue oil paint
- ·Viridian Green oil paint
- ·Titanium White oil paint
- ·Odorless mineral spirits
optional
- ·Palette knife
- ·Linseed oil
- ·Medium gloss
Use a canvas with a medium texture to help create the broken brushstroke effect. Consider using a toned canvas (e.g., a light gray or blue) to establish the overall color harmony.
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