plate no. 0830
obra-tarsila-do-amaral
some experience helpful
This painting is great for learning about simplified forms and color blocking. Students will practice blending smooth gradients and creating a sense of depth through color.
technical profile
palette complexity
3
brushwork visibility
2
value contrast
4
compositional simplicity
3
study guide
est. 8 hrsapproach — 8 steps
- step 01
Sketch the basic shapes and composition lightly on the canvas.
- step 02
Block in the large areas of color: sky, land, water, and figures.
- step 03
Blend the sky colors to create the sunset gradient, working from light to dark.
- step 04
Add the curved lines of the sun's rays.
- step 05
Refine the shapes of the trees, cactus, and the central blue form.
- step 06
Add the details of the figures in the water.
- step 07
Add subtle shading to the figures and the blue form to give them volume.
- step 08
Review and adjust colors and shapes as needed.
color palette
primary · orange · yellow · blue · green
secondary · tan · dark green · red
Mix various shades of orange and yellow for the sky. Use blue and white for the water, and mix blue and green for the land. Add small amounts of red to the orange for the sunset.
techniques
- ·color blocking
- ·smooth blending
- ·gradient shading
- ·simplified forms
common pitfalls
- →Over-blending the colors in the sky, losing the distinct bands.
- →Making the shapes too detailed and losing the simplified style.
- →Not achieving smooth transitions between colors.
- →Incorrect proportions of the elements
materials
surface · stretched canvas
required
- ·stretched canvas
- ·acrylic paints (orange, yellow, blue, green, white, tan, red)
- ·round brushes (various sizes)
- ·flat brushes (various sizes)
- ·palette
- ·water container
optional
- ·palette knife
- ·easel
- ·medium (glazing or blending)
- ·varnish
Use good quality acrylic paints for better blending and color vibrancy. A medium can help with blending if needed.
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