plate no. 0321
Reliker
Sven Jonson, 1937
some experience helpful
This painting offers practice in creating atmospheric perspective and using a limited palette to establish a mood. Students can develop skills in simplifying complex forms into basic shapes.
technical profile
palette complexity
3
brushwork visibility
2
value contrast
3
compositional simplicity
3
study guide
est. 8 hrsapproach — 8 steps
- step 01
Sketch the basic shapes and composition, focusing on the horizon line and placement of the main structures.
- step 02
Block in the sky with a light, muted green-gray, creating a gradient from top to bottom.
- step 03
Establish the ground plane with a light beige or tan, adding subtle variations in tone.
- step 04
Paint the distant structures with a lighter value of the ground color to create atmospheric perspective.
- step 05
Define the large, dark structure in the foreground, paying attention to its irregular edges and internal shapes.
- step 06
Add the lighter architectural elements within the structure, focusing on accurate proportions and placement.
- step 07
Paint the foreground vegetation with a mix of dark greens and browns, using short, broken strokes.
- step 08
Add final details and highlights to enhance the sense of depth and form.
color palette
primary · gray-green · beige · dark brown
secondary · light gray · tan
Achieve the muted tones by mixing complementary colors (e.g., green and red) with white. Use a touch of blue to cool down the greens and grays.
techniques
- ·atmospheric perspective
- ·value gradation
- ·simplified forms
- ·limited palette
- ·blocking in
common pitfalls
- →Overcomplicating the shapes and details.
- →Using colors that are too saturated.
- →Failing to establish a clear sense of depth.
- →Ignoring the subtle value changes in the sky and ground.
materials
surface · stretched canvas
required
- ·Stretched canvas
- ·Acrylic or oil paints
- ·Round brushes (small and medium)
- ·Flat brush (medium)
- ·Palette
- ·Palette knife
- ·Odorless mineral spirits or water (depending on paint type)
- ·Rags
optional
- ·Medium (for oil paints)
- ·Easel
- ·Reference photo print
Use a canvas with a smooth surface to facilitate blending. Consider using a toned canvas to establish a base color.
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