plate no. 0806

Sacrificial Stone in Baalbek

Tivadar Kosztka Csontvary, 1907

oilPost-Impressionismcityscapebuildingtreesskylandscapearchitecturebirds

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in atmospheric perspective and creating subtle color variations to depict light and shadow on a large architectural form. It also provides practice in simplified landscape elements.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 12 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Sketch the basic shapes of the building, trees, and horizon line, paying attention to proportions.
step 02
Block in the sky with a light blue-gray wash, allowing for subtle variations in tone.
step 03
Apply a base coat of light yellow-beige to the building, establishing the overall color.
step 04
Add shadows and highlights to the building using slightly darker and lighter shades of the base color.
step 05
Paint the trees, focusing on their verticality and the shapes of their canopies.
step 06
Add details to the building, such as the small square openings and the textures of the stone.
step 07
Paint the background landscape elements, including the distant hills and the suggestion of water.
step 08
Add final details, such as the birds in the sky, to enhance the sense of atmosphere.

color palette

primary · light yellow-beige · light blue-gray · dark green

secondary · burnt sienna · raw umber · white

The light yellow-beige is achieved by mixing yellow ochre, white, and a touch of burnt sienna. The sky is a mix of cerulean blue, white, and a touch of gray. Shadows are created by adding raw umber to the base colors.

techniques

·atmospheric perspective
·color mixing
·layering
·dry brushing
·scumbling

common pitfalls

→Overworking the details of the building, losing the sense of simplicity.
→Using too much contrast, making the painting appear harsh.
→Ignoring the subtle color variations in the sky and building.
→Not establishing a clear sense of depth.

materials

surface · stretched canvas

required

·Stretched canvas (16x20 inches)
·Acrylic or oil paints (light yellow-beige, light blue-gray, dark green, burnt sienna, raw umber, white)
·Round brushes (various sizes)
·Flat brushes (various sizes)
·Palette
·Palette knife
·Odorless mineral spirits or water (depending on paint type)
·Linseed oil or acrylic medium