plate no. 0319
LANDSCAPE
JAROSLAV KELUC, 1969
suitable for beginners
This painting is a good exercise in layering colors and creating texture with visible strokes. Students can learn to simplify a complex scene into basic shapes and colors.
technical profile
palette complexity
3
brushwork visibility
5
value contrast
3
compositional simplicity
3
study guide
est. 6 hrsapproach — 8 steps
- step 01
Sketch the basic shapes of the trees, water path, and distant hills.
- step 02
Block in the sky with a light, even tone.
- step 03
Add the base colors for the foliage, using greens, yellows, and browns.
- step 04
Layer in the colors of the trees, using oranges, reds, and purples.
- step 05
Define the water path with blues and grays, adding reflections.
- step 06
Add details to the foliage and trees with short, broken strokes.
- step 07
Refine the composition by adjusting colors and values.
- step 08
Add final details and highlights to create depth and interest.
color palette
primary · green · blue · orange · brown
secondary · purple · red · yellow
Mix greens by blending blues and yellows. Achieve browns by combining reds, yellows, and blues. Vary the intensity of colors by adding white or black.
techniques
- ·broken color
- ·layering
- ·hatching
- ·scumbling
- ·color mixing
common pitfalls
- →Overworking the painting and losing the freshness of the strokes.
- →Creating muddy colors by over-mixing.
- →Ignoring the underlying structure of the composition.
- →Not varying the stroke direction and size.
- →Failing to establish a clear focal point.
materials
surface · Drawing paper or pastel paper
required
- ·Oil pastels or crayons
- ·Drawing paper or pastel paper
- ·Pencil
- ·Eraser
- ·Blending stump or tortillon
- ·Fixative spray
optional
- ·Palette knife
- ·Rags
- ·Easel
Using textured paper can enhance the effect of the visible strokes. Fixative spray will prevent smudging.
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