plate no. 3293
Isbas lighted by sun
Isaac Levitan, 1889
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's also good practice for capturing the effect of light on different surfaces.
technical profile
palette complexity
3
brushwork visibility
4
value contrast
3
compositional simplicity
3
study guide
est. 8 hrsapproach — 8 steps
- step 01
Sketch the basic shapes of the houses, trees, and landscape, paying attention to perspective.
- step 02
Block in the sky with a thin wash of light blue and white.
- step 03
Establish the main value masses for the houses, trees, and ground using a limited palette.
- step 04
Begin layering colors to create depth and dimension in the landscape, focusing on the play of light and shadow.
- step 05
Add details to the houses, such as windows and doors, using small brushstrokes.
- step 06
Refine the foliage of the trees, using a variety of greens and browns.
- step 07
Add highlights to the areas where the sun is hitting the scene.
- step 08
Make final adjustments to the colors and values to create a cohesive and harmonious composition.
color palette
primary · yellow ochre · ultramarine blue · burnt umber · titanium white
secondary · sap green · cadmium yellow · raw sienna
Mix greens by combining yellow ochre, ultramarine blue, and a touch of white. Create earth tones by mixing burnt umber with yellow ochre and white.
techniques
- ·broken color
- ·scumbling
- ·alla prima
- ·layering
- ·atmospheric perspective
common pitfalls
- →Overworking the details and losing the overall impressionistic effect.
- →Using too much paint and creating a muddy texture.
- →Failing to establish a clear value structure.
- →Ignoring the subtle color variations in the landscape.
materials
surface · stretched canvas
required
- ·stretched canvas
- ·oil paints
- ·palette
- ·palette knife
- ·linseed oil
- ·turpentine
- ·#4 round brush
- ·#6 flat brush
optional
- ·painting medium
- ·easel
- ·rags
Use a medium-tooth canvas for best results. Consider using a quick-drying medium to speed up the drying time.
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