plate no. 4573
Mount Zion, The Dormition
Avigdor Arikha, 1991
some experience helpful
Recreating this painting will help students practice layering techniques and learn how to create depth using color and value variations. It also provides an opportunity to study how to simplify complex forms into basic shapes.
technical profile
palette complexity
3
brushwork visibility
4
value contrast
3
compositional simplicity
3
study guide
est. 8 hrsapproach — 8 steps
- step 01
Lightly sketch the basic shapes: the buildings, trees, and sky.
- step 02
Block in the sky with a thin wash of pale blue.
- step 03
Establish the main masses of the buildings with light beige and gray tones.
- step 04
Begin layering the foliage with various shades of green, using broken brushstrokes.
- step 05
Add details to the buildings, such as windows and architectural features.
- step 06
Refine the shapes and values of the trees, creating depth and texture.
- step 07
Add highlights and shadows to enhance the form of the buildings and foliage.
- step 08
Make final adjustments to the overall composition and color balance.
color palette
primary · titanium white · yellow ochre · sap green
secondary · burnt umber · cerulean blue · cadmium red light
Mix greens by blending yellow ochre and cerulean blue, and adjust with white or burnt umber. Achieve the building's color by mixing white, yellow ochre, and a touch of burnt umber.
techniques
- ·broken brushstrokes
- ·layering
- ·color mixing
- ·scumbling
- ·atmospheric perspective
common pitfalls
- →Overworking the details, losing the loose, expressive feel.
- →Using too much paint, resulting in a muddy appearance.
- →Failing to establish a clear value structure, making the painting look flat.
- →Not varying the brushstrokes enough, creating a monotonous texture.
materials
surface · stretched canvas
required
- ·stretched canvas
- ·titanium white oil paint
- ·yellow ochre oil paint
- ·sap green oil paint
- ·burnt umber oil paint
- ·cerulean blue oil paint
- ·cadmium red light oil paint
- ·assorted brushes (round and flat)
optional
- ·palette knife
- ·linseed oil
- ·odorless mineral spirits
Use a medium-tooth canvas to allow for texture. Consider using a limited palette to simplify color mixing.
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