plate no. 0543

Outskirts of Krakow

Roman Selsky, 1934

oilImpressionismlandscapelandscapetreesbuildingshousesskyfoliage

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in layering colors to create depth and atmosphere, and in using short, broken brushstrokes to suggest texture and form. It also provides practice in simplifying complex scenes into basic shapes and values.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 8 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Lightly sketch the basic shapes of the houses, trees, and horizon line, paying attention to their relative sizes and positions.
step 02
Block in the sky with a thin wash of light blue, leaving some areas lighter to suggest clouds.
step 03
Establish the basic value structure of the landscape by applying thin washes of color to the different areas, such as the trees, fields, and buildings.
step 04
Begin to build up the layers of color in the trees and foliage, using short, broken brushstrokes to create texture and depth.
step 05
Add details to the houses, such as windows, doors, and roofs, using a smaller brush.
step 06
Refine the colors and values throughout the painting, paying attention to the relationships between the different elements.
step 07
Add final details, such as highlights and shadows, to create a sense of realism and depth.
step 08
Step back and assess the painting, making any necessary adjustments to the composition, color, or value.

color palette

primary · sap green · cerulean blue · raw umber · titanium white

secondary · cadmium yellow · alizarin crimson · violet

Mix greens by blending blues and yellows with touches of umber. Achieve atmospheric perspective by adding white to colors as they recede into the distance.

techniques

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

common pitfalls

→Overworking the painting and losing the freshness of the brushstrokes.
→Creating too much contrast and flattening the image.
→Neglecting the importance of color mixing and using colors straight from the tube.
→Failing to establish a strong value structure before adding color.