plate no. 7251

Palm trees

Konstantin Bogaevsky, 1908

pastel, watercolor, paperSymbolismlandscapepalm treesskylandscapesunlightfoliagestones

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in layering washes for depth and creating atmospheric perspective. It will also give practice in rendering complex organic shapes like palm leaves with simplified brushstrokes.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 8 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Lightly sketch the basic composition, including the horizon line, tree trunks, and the position of the sun.
step 02
Apply a light wash of diluted blue and gray for the sky, leaving some areas white for clouds.
step 03
Add a yellow wash around the sun to create a glowing effect.
step 04
Paint the palm trees with a mix of greens and browns, using short, broken brushstrokes to suggest leaves.
step 05
Layer washes of green, brown, and blue for the ground, creating depth and texture.
step 06
Add details to the stones and other foreground elements with darker values.
step 07
Refine the highlights and shadows to enhance the sense of light and atmosphere.
step 08
Add final details to the palm leaves and other foliage.

color palette

primary · cerulean blue · yellow ochre · sap green

secondary · burnt umber · payne's gray · white

Mix greens by combining blue and yellow. Use white to lighten colors and create soft pastel tones. Achieve atmospheric perspective by diluting colors with water.

techniques