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home·artworks·October in Yerevan
October in Yerevan by Martiros Sarian

plate no. 2516

October in Yerevan

Martiros Sarian, 1961

oil, canvasExpressionismstill lifepomegranatesfruitmountainsskylandscapestill life
some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in simplifying complex shapes and using color to create depth and form. It also encourages experimentation with expressive brushstrokes to convey texture and mood.

technical profile

palette complexity
3
brushwork visibility
4
value contrast
3
compositional simplicity
3

study guide

est. 8 hrs

approach — 8 steps

  1. step 01

    Sketch the basic shapes of the mountains, horizon line, and the arrangement of the fruit.

  2. step 02

    Block in the large areas of color for the sky, mountains, and foreground, focusing on overall color relationships.

  3. step 03

    Add the mid-tones and shadows to define the forms of the mountains and fruit.

  4. step 04

    Introduce highlights to create a sense of volume and light.

  5. step 05

    Refine the details of the fruit, paying attention to the variations in color and texture.

  6. step 06

    Add details to the landscape, using short brushstrokes to suggest foliage and buildings.

  7. step 07

    Adjust the overall color balance and contrast to achieve the desired effect.

  8. step 08

    Add final details and highlights to enhance the painting's vibrancy.

color palette

primary · cerulean blue · cadmium red · yellow ochre

secondary · viridian green · ultramarine blue · cadmium orange

Mix various shades of blue and orange to create the sky and mountain colors. Use red and yellow to create the different tones of the pomegranates. Mix green and blue for the landscape.

techniques

  • ·blocking in
  • ·color mixing
  • ·expressive brushstrokes
  • ·layering
  • ·scumbling

common pitfalls

  • →Overworking the details and losing the expressive quality.
  • →Creating muddy colors by over-mixing.
  • →Ignoring the overall color harmony.
  • →Not simplifying the shapes enough.
  • →Failing to capture the light and shadow patterns.

materials

surface · stretched canvas

required

  • ·stretched canvas
  • ·acrylic or oil paints
  • ·round brushes (various sizes)
  • ·flat brushes (various sizes)
  • ·palette
  • ·palette knife
  • ·linseed oil (if using oil paints)
  • ·mineral spirits or turpentine (for cleaning brushes)

optional

  • ·painting medium
  • ·easel
  • ·apron

Use good quality paints for best results. Consider using a medium to adjust the consistency and drying time of the paints.

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oil painting for beginners →how to learn by studying the masters →
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