plate no. 3979

Namaiesti Monastery

Nicolae Vermont, 1901

oilImpressionismlandscapebuildingstairstreesskyfigureslandscape

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students practice loose brushwork and color mixing to create a sense of atmosphere and depth. It also offers a chance to work with perspective in a complex architectural setting.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 8 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Lightly sketch the main shapes and composition: building, stairs, and horizon line.
step 02
Block in the sky with light blues and whites, using loose brushstrokes.
step 03
Establish the basic colors of the building and surrounding foliage, focusing on the overall tones.
step 04
Begin adding details to the building, such as the roof, windows, and archway.
step 05
Paint the stairs, paying attention to the perspective and the way the light falls on them.
step 06
Add the figures on the stairs with simple shapes and dark colors.
step 07
Refine the foliage with a variety of greens and browns, using broken brushstrokes.
step 08
Add final details and highlights to create depth and interest.

color palette

primary · titanium white · ultramarine blue · yellow ochre · burnt umber

secondary · cadmium yellow · alizarin crimson · viridian green

Mix greens by combining blues and yellows. Use white to lighten colors and create highlights. Browns can be achieved by mixing umber with blues, reds, or yellows.

techniques

·broken brushstrokes
·color mixing
·atmospheric perspective
·scumbling
·layering

common pitfalls

→Overworking the details and losing the loose, impressionistic feel.
→Creating muddy colors by overmixing.
→Ignoring the perspective of the stairs and building.
→Not varying the brushstrokes enough to create texture.

materials

surface · stretched canvas

required

·stretched canvas (12x16 or similar)
·oil paints (titanium white, ultramarine blue, yellow ochre, burnt umber, cadmium yellow, alizarin crimson)
·assorted brushes (round and flat)
·palette
·linseed oil or other painting medium
·palette knife
·rags
·odorless mineral spirits