plate no. 5955

Kompozicija. Pažaislis

Vytautas Kairiukstis, 1921

oilCubismcityscapecityscapearchitecturebuildingsskyabstract

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students understand abstracting forms and using a limited palette to create a cohesive composition. It also encourages experimentation with layering and blending pastel strokes.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 6 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Lightly sketch the basic shapes and lines of the composition, focusing on the geometric forms.
step 02
Establish the background sky with light blue pastel, blending softly.
step 03
Begin blocking in the main architectural forms with orange and brown pastels.
step 04
Layer darker browns and blacks to define edges and create depth.
step 05
Use short, directional strokes to build up texture and form.
step 06
Blend colors where necessary to soften transitions, but maintain some visible strokes.
step 07
Add highlights with lighter shades of orange and blue.
step 08
Refine the details and adjust values to create a balanced composition.

color palette

primary · orange · brown · light blue

secondary · black · white

Mix orange and brown for various shades of the buildings. Use white to lighten the blue for the sky and create highlights.

techniques

·layering
·blending
·directional strokes
·scumbling
·hatching

common pitfalls

→Over-blending, losing the texture of the pastels
→Creating muddy colors by over-mixing
→Not establishing a clear focal point
→Ignoring the underlying geometric structure

materials

surface · Pastel paper (toned or white)

required

·Soft pastels (orange, brown, light blue, black, white)
·Pastel paper (toned or white)
·Blending stumps or tortillons
·Kneaded eraser
·Fixative spray

optional

·Workable fixative
·Palette knife
·Ruler

Choose a pastel paper with a slightly rough texture to grip the pastels well. Workable fixative can be used between layers to prevent over-saturation.

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