plate no. 7650
Miestas Vakaro Žarose
Vytautas Kairiukstis, 1920
suitable for beginners
Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in simplifying complex scenes into basic shapes and using expressive pastel strokes to create texture and atmosphere. It also encourages experimentation with color layering and blending.
technical profile
palette complexity
3
brushwork visibility
5
value contrast
3
compositional simplicity
4
study guide
est. 4 hrsapproach — 8 steps
- step 01
Lightly sketch the basic shapes of the buildings and the horizon line using a light-colored pastel.
- step 02
Block in the sky with broad strokes of blue pastel, varying the pressure for different intensities.
- step 03
Apply the base colors for the buildings (red, orange, yellow) using directional strokes to suggest form.
- step 04
Layer additional colors (red, orange, yellow) on the buildings to create depth and variation.
- step 05
Add green and yellow highlights to suggest foliage and light.
- step 06
Use darker pastels (blue, red) to define shadows and edges.
- step 07
Blend some areas with your finger or a blending stump to soften the edges and create a hazy effect.
- step 08
Add final details and highlights to emphasize the focal points.
color palette
primary · blue · red · orange · yellow
secondary · green · brown
Mix orange and red for the buildings' base, and add yellow for highlights. Use blue and brown to create darker shades for shadows.
techniques
- ·directional strokes
- ·color layering
- ·blending
- ·scumbling
- ·hatching
common pitfalls
- →Over-blending, which can result in a muddy appearance.
- →Using too much pressure, which can make the colors appear flat.
- →Neglecting the importance of directional strokes to convey form.
- →Failing to create enough contrast between light and shadow.
materials
surface · toned pastel paper
required
- ·Pastel set (soft pastels)
- ·Pastel paper (toned gray or brown)
- ·Blending stumps
- ·Kneaded eraser
- ·Fixative spray
- ·Pencil
- ·Ruler
optional
- ·Workable fixative
- ·Palette knife
- ·Easel
Choose a pastel paper with a slightly rough texture to grip the pastel. A toned paper will help to unify the colors and create a harmonious effect.
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