plate no. 8270

Landscape, Study for 'Paradise'

Marcel Duchamp, 1911

oil, canvasExpressionismlandscapelandscapetreeshillsskyfieldsfoliage

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students practice simplifying complex scenes into basic shapes and using color to create depth and mood. It also encourages experimentation with expressive brushstrokes and non-realistic color choices.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 8 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Lightly sketch the basic shapes of the hills, trees, and sky.
step 02
Block in the large areas of color, starting with the sky and background.
step 03
Add the darker tones to define the shapes of the hills and trees.
step 04
Introduce secondary colors to create variations within the larger color blocks.
step 05
Use short, expressive brushstrokes to add texture and detail.
step 06
Refine the shapes and colors, paying attention to the overall balance of the composition.
step 07
Add the small tree trunks in the foreground.
step 08
Let dry and add a final glaze if desired.

color palette

primary · viridian green · cadmium red · yellow ochre · ultramarine blue

secondary · burnt umber · titanium white · violet

Mix greens by blending viridian with yellow ochre and white. Achieve the red-browns by mixing cadmium red with burnt umber. Create the sky by mixing ultramarine blue, white, and a touch of violet.

techniques

·color blocking
·expressive brushstrokes
·scumbling
·color mixing
·glazing

common pitfalls

→Overworking the details
→Using too many colors and losing the overall harmony
→Not simplifying the shapes enough
→Creating muddy colors by over-mixing

materials

surface · stretched canvas

required

·Stretched canvas (12x16 inches)
·Acrylic or oil paints
·Round brushes (various sizes)
·Flat brushes (various sizes)
·Palette
·Palette knife
·Linseed oil (if using oil paints)
·Odorless mineral spirits (for cleaning brushes)

optional

·Painting medium (e.g., Liquin)
·Easel
·Apron

Use a canvas with a medium texture to allow the paint to grab easily. Acrylics are more beginner-friendly, while oils offer richer colors and blending capabilities.

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