plate no. 2855
Pirámide del Sol
Jose Maria Velasco, 1878
some experience helpful
Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in atmospheric perspective and color mixing to create a sense of depth and distance. It also provides practice in rendering varied textures, from smooth mountains to rough foliage.
technical profile
palette complexity
3
brushwork visibility
3
value contrast
3
compositional simplicity
3
study guide
est. 12 hrsapproach — 7 steps
- step 01
Sketch the basic composition, focusing on the pyramid, mountains, and horizon line.
- step 02
Establish the sky with a light wash of yellows and blues, blending softly.
- step 03
Block in the distant mountains with muted browns and purples, using atmospheric perspective to lighten the values as they recede.
- step 04
Paint the pyramid, starting with a base layer of burnt sienna and adding darker shadows and lighter highlights to define its form.
- step 05
Develop the fields and foreground with varying shades of yellow, brown, and green, creating texture with short brushstrokes.
- step 06
Add details to the trees and foliage, using darker greens and browns for shadows and lighter greens for highlights.
- step 07
Refine the details and adjust the values to create a cohesive and realistic landscape.
color palette
primary · burnt sienna · yellow ochre · titanium white
secondary · ultramarine blue · raw umber · sap green
Mix muted greens by combining yellow ochre, ultramarine blue, and a touch of burnt sienna. Achieve atmospheric perspective by lightening colors with white and adding a touch of blue as they recede into the distance.
techniques
- ·atmospheric perspective
- ·dry brushing
- ·color blending
- ·layering
- ·scumbling
common pitfalls
- →Failing to establish a clear sense of depth and distance.
- →Using colors that are too saturated, resulting in an unrealistic landscape.
- →Overworking the details and losing the overall harmony of the painting.
- →Not paying attention to the light and shadow, which can flatten the image.
materials
surface · stretched canvas
required
- ·stretched canvas 18x24
- ·burnt sienna oil paint
- ·yellow ochre oil paint
- ·ultramarine blue oil paint
- ·titanium white oil paint
- ·round brushes (sizes 2, 6, 8)
- ·linseed oil
- ·palette
optional
- ·palette knife
- ·painting medium
- ·easel
Use a medium-grit canvas for better texture. Consider using a glazing medium to enhance the depth of color.
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