plate no. 7315
Landscape with a comet
Heorhiy Narbut, 1910
some experience helpful
Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in layering colors to create depth and atmosphere, as well as simplifying complex shapes into basic forms.
technical profile
palette complexity
3
brushwork visibility
3
value contrast
4
compositional simplicity
3
study guide
est. 8 hrsapproach — 8 steps
- step 01
Sketch the basic composition, focusing on the placement of the comet, building, and horizon line.
- step 02
Block in the large areas of color for the sky, water, and land using diluted washes.
- step 03
Add darker values to define the shapes of the building, trees, and clouds.
- step 04
Layer lighter colors to create highlights on the comet, clouds, and water reflections.
- step 05
Refine the details of the building and trees, paying attention to the subtle variations in color and texture.
- step 06
Add the stars in the sky, using small dots of light blue or white.
- step 07
Adjust the overall values and colors to create a sense of depth and atmosphere.
- step 08
Add final details and highlights.
color palette
primary · ultramarine blue · raw umber · titanium white
secondary · yellow ochre · burnt sienna
Mix ultramarine blue and raw umber to create the dark tones of the sky and water. Add titanium white to lighten these colors and create highlights. Use yellow ochre and burnt sienna to create the warm tones of the building and land.
techniques
- ·layering
- ·blending
- ·glazing
- ·dry brushing
common pitfalls
- →Overworking the details and losing the overall sense of atmosphere.
- →Using colors that are too bright or saturated.
- →Failing to create a strong sense of depth and perspective.
- →Not paying attention to the subtle variations in color and value.
materials
surface · stretched canvas
required
- ·stretched canvas
- ·acrylic or oil paints
- ·round brushes
- ·flat brushes
- ·palette
- ·palette knife
- ·linseed oil (if using oil paints)
- ·mineral spirits (if using oil paints)
optional
- ·medium gloss
- ·easel
- ·rags
Use a medium-grain canvas for best results. Acrylic paints are more beginner-friendly, while oil paints offer richer colors and blending capabilities.
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