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Rain by Edvard Munch

plate no. 1582

Rain

Edvard Munch, 1902

oil, canvasExpressionismgenre paintingfigureslandscapebalconytreesbuildingsky
some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in loose brushwork, color mixing for atmospheric perspective, and simplifying complex scenes into basic shapes. It's also a good exercise in capturing a mood or feeling through color and texture.

technical profile

palette complexity
3
brushwork visibility
4
value contrast
3
compositional simplicity
3

study guide

est. 8 hrs

approach — 8 steps

  1. step 01

    Sketch the basic composition, focusing on the placement of the figures, balcony, and landscape elements.

  2. step 02

    Block in the main color areas: sky, trees, balcony, figures, and building.

  3. step 03

    Start refining the colors and values within each area, paying attention to the light and shadow.

  4. step 04

    Add details to the figures, such as the hats and clothing folds, using short, expressive brushstrokes.

  5. step 05

    Develop the texture of the trees and foliage with varied brushstrokes and color variations.

  6. step 06

    Refine the balcony and its reflections, using horizontal strokes to suggest the wooden planks.

  7. step 07

    Add final touches and highlights to create depth and interest.

  8. step 08

    Step back and adjust the overall balance and harmony of the painting.

color palette

primary · Prussian blue · Cadmium yellow · Crimson red · Burnt umber

secondary · Sap green · Titanium white · Yellow ochre

Mix greens by combining blues and yellows, and create muted tones by adding small amounts of complementary colors. Use white to lighten values and create atmospheric perspective.

techniques

  • ·Impasto
  • ·Broken color
  • ·Dry brushing
  • ·Color layering
  • ·Simplification of form

common pitfalls

  • →Overworking details
  • →Using too much detail
  • →Muddying colors by over-mixing
  • →Ignoring the overall composition and focusing on individual elements

materials

surface · Stretched canvas

required

  • ·Stretched canvas
  • ·Oil paints
  • ·Palette
  • ·#4 round brush
  • ·#8 flat brush
  • ·Odorless mineral spirits
  • ·Linseed oil

optional

  • ·Palette knife
  • ·Medium gloss
  • ·Easel

Use a medium-textured canvas to enhance the brushwork. Consider using a limited palette to simplify color mixing.

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related guides

oil painting for beginners →how to learn by studying the masters →
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