plate no. 3188

Near the church

HRASARKOS, 1999

acrylicExpressionismcityscapefiguresbuildingschurchescityscapeskyhill

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students practice loose brushwork and layering techniques to create a sense of depth and atmosphere. It also encourages simplifying complex forms into basic shapes.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 8 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Sketch the basic shapes of the buildings, figures, and landscape with light pencil lines.
step 02
Block in the large areas of color for the sky, buildings, and ground using diluted washes.
step 03
Start defining the shapes of the figures with darker values, paying attention to the light source.
step 04
Add details to the buildings, such as windows and architectural features, using a smaller brush.
step 05
Layer in the mid-tones and highlights to create depth and dimension in the figures and landscape.
step 06
Use dry brush techniques to add texture to the buildings and ground.
step 07
Refine the details and adjust the values to create a cohesive composition.
step 08
Add final touches, such as small details and highlights, to complete the painting.

color palette

primary · raw umber · burnt sienna · titanium white

secondary · cadmium red · yellow ochre · payne's gray

Mix raw umber and white for the figures' skin tones. Use burnt sienna and cadmium red for the sky. Mix payne's gray with white for the cooler tones in the shadows.

techniques

·dry brushing
·layering
·scumbling
·color mixing
·loose brushwork

common pitfalls

→Overworking the details and losing the loose, expressive quality.
→Creating muddy colors by over-mixing.
→Failing to establish a clear light source.
→Not simplifying the forms enough.

materials

surface · stretched canvas

required

·acrylic paints
·canvas 18x24
·round brushes (#2, #6)
·flat brush (#8)
·palette
·water container
·paper towels
·pencil

optional

·palette knife
·retarder medium
·easel

Use a medium-tooth canvas to allow for better texture. Consider using a retarder medium to extend the drying time of the acrylics and allow for more blending.

tips & new artworks in your inbox

no spam — unsubscribe anytime.

or to save artworks, chat, and track progress

chat about this artwork

in this vein