Monks in a Grotto

approach — 8 steps

color palette

primary · raw umber · titanium white · cerulean blue

secondary · yellow ochre · burnt sienna

Achieve the muted greens of the sky by mixing cerulean blue with yellow ochre and a touch of raw umber. Create the cave shadows by layering raw umber with burnt sienna and a touch of black.

techniques

• ·glazing
• ·atmospheric perspective
• ·blending
• ·scumbling
• ·chiaroscuro

common pitfalls

• →Overworking the details too early in the painting process.
• →Creating harsh lines or edges instead of smooth transitions.
• →Failing to establish a clear sense of depth and perspective.
• →Using colors that are too bright or saturated.