plate no. 1907

Pines at Rafina

Konstantinos Maleas, 1920

oilPost-Impressionismlandscapetreesbeachsandskyfoliagesea

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students practice layering colors to create texture and depth, as well as simplifying complex forms into geometric shapes. Students will also learn to use color temperature to create a sense of distance.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 8 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Sketch the basic shapes of the trees, hills, and horizon line using light pencil strokes.
step 02
Block in the large areas of color: sky, sea, sand, and foliage, using diluted washes.
step 03
Begin layering colors on the sand to create texture and variations in tone.
step 04
Add details to the trees, focusing on the shapes of the branches and leaves.
step 05
Develop the foliage on the hills, using short, broken brushstrokes.
step 06
Refine the colors and values in the sky and sea.
step 07
Add the small details, such as the shadows on the sand and the highlights on the trees.
step 08
Review and adjust the overall composition, ensuring a balanced and harmonious result.

color palette

primary · titanium white · yellow ochre · ultramarine blue · sap green

secondary · burnt umber · cadmium yellow · alizarin crimson

Mix greens by combining yellow ochre and ultramarine blue. Create sandy tones by mixing yellow ochre, white, and a touch of burnt umber. Achieve the blue-grey tones of the tree trunks by mixing ultramarine blue, white, and a small amount of burnt umber.

techniques