plate no. 2803
Late afternoon silence
Arkady Rylov, 1939
some experience helpful
Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in layering colors to create depth and atmosphere, as well as understanding how to depict the form of trees using variations in tone and color.
technical profile
palette complexity
4
brushwork visibility
3
value contrast
3
compositional simplicity
3
study guide
est. 12 hrsapproach — 8 steps
- step 01
Sketch the basic composition, focusing on the placement of the trees and the horizon line.
- step 02
Establish the sky with light blue and white, blending softly to create the cloud effect.
- step 03
Block in the dark masses of the trees with a mix of dark green and brown.
- step 04
Begin layering lighter greens and yellows on the foliage to suggest sunlight.
- step 05
Add details to the tree trunks, using browns and grays to create texture and form.
- step 06
Develop the foreground with variations of green and yellow, suggesting grass and undergrowth.
- step 07
Refine the details of the trees, adding individual branches and needles.
- step 08
Add final highlights and shadows to enhance the sense of depth and realism.
color palette
primary · Prussian Blue · Sap Green · Burnt Umber · Titanium White
secondary · Yellow Ochre · Cadmium Yellow · Raw Sienna
Mix greens by combining Prussian Blue and Yellow Ochre. Achieve lighter greens by adding Titanium White. Create darker tones by adding Burnt Umber to the greens.
techniques
- ·Layering
- ·Dry brushing
- ·Blending
- ·Color mixing
- ·Atmospheric perspective
common pitfalls
- →Overworking the details too early in the process.
- →Using too much paint, resulting in a muddy appearance.
- →Failing to create a sense of depth through variations in color and tone.
- →Not paying attention to the light source and how it affects the shadows.
materials
surface · Stretched canvas
required
- ·Stretched canvas 18x24
- ·Acrylic or Oil paints
- ·#4 Round brush
- ·#8 Flat brush
- ·#2 Filbert brush
- ·Palette
- ·Palette knife
- ·Odorless mineral spirits or water
optional
- ·Retarder medium
- ·Varnish
- ·Easel
Use a medium-tooth canvas for best results. Consider using a gesso primer to prepare the canvas.
tips & new artworks in your inbox
no spam — unsubscribe anytime.
or to save artworks, chat, and track progress
