plate no. 4946
Old Kahala Home
Arman Manookian, 1928
some experience helpful
Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in simplifying complex forms into geometric shapes and using color to define planes and create depth. It will also improve their understanding of color relationships and how to create a sense of harmony using a limited palette.
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 main shapes: the house, trees, and foliage, focusing on their simplified geometric forms.
- step 02
Establish the horizon line and the basic layout of the hills in the background.
- step 03
Block in the large areas of color, starting with the background and working forward.
- step 04
Define the shapes of the trees and foliage with distinct color blocks, using visible brushstrokes.
- step 05
Add details to the house, such as windows and roof lines, using darker colors to create contrast.
- step 06
Refine the shapes and colors of the foliage in the foreground, paying attention to the overlapping forms.
- step 07
Add highlights and shadows to create depth and dimension.
- step 08
Review and adjust colors and values as needed to achieve a harmonious composition.
color palette
primary · yellow ochre · burnt sienna · sap green · ultramarine blue
secondary · cadmium orange · titanium white · raw umber
Mix greens by combining yellow ochre and ultramarine blue. Create variations in the browns by mixing burnt sienna with raw umber and a touch of ultramarine blue. Use white to lighten colors and create highlights.
techniques
- ·color blocking
- ·simplified shapes
- ·visible brushstrokes
- ·layering
- ·geometric abstraction
common pitfalls
- →Overcomplicating the shapes and forms.
- →Using too many colors and creating a muddy effect.
- →Losing the sense of depth and perspective.
- →Not paying attention to the color relationships.
- →Blending too much and losing the distinct brushstrokes.
materials
surface · Stretched canvas
required
- ·Stretched canvas 12x16
- ·Acrylic or oil paints
- ·Round brushes (#4, #8)
- ·Flat brushes (#6, #10)
- ·Palette
- ·Palette knife
- ·Odorless mineral spirits or water (depending on paint type)
- ·Rags
optional
- ·Medium gloss
- ·Easel
- ·Apron
Use good quality paints for better color saturation and longevity. Consider using a limited palette to simplify the color mixing process.
tips & new artworks in your inbox
no spam — unsubscribe anytime.
or to save artworks, chat, and track progress
in this vein
