plate no. 8300

Maaloula

Louay Kayyali, 1963

oilExpressionismcityscapecityscapebuildingsmountainsskyarchitecturevillage

some experience helpful

This painting offers a good opportunity to practice simplifying complex forms into basic shapes and using a limited palette to create a cohesive atmosphere. Students can develop their skills in layering and blending colors to achieve subtle variations in tone and texture.

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 buildings and mountains, focusing on their relative sizes and positions.
step 02
Block in the sky with a thin wash of blue and grey, allowing for some variation in tone.
step 03
Establish the dark values of the mountains using a mix of brown, green, and black.
step 04
Begin painting the buildings with white, adding subtle hints of blue and grey to suggest shadows and form.
step 05
Define the architectural details, such as arches, windows, and doorways, using darker tones.
step 06
Add texture to the buildings and mountains using dry brush techniques.
step 07
Refine the details and adjust the values to create depth and dimension.
step 08
Add final touches, such as highlights and subtle color variations.

color palette

primary · titanium white · ultramarine blue · burnt umber

secondary · raw sienna · payne's gray

Mix white with small amounts of blue and umber to create the various shades of white for the buildings. Use umber and blue to create the mountain colors, adjusting the ratio for different values.

techniques