plate no. 0098
Selva con pájaros
some experience helpful
This painting is great for practicing layering and creating depth using color and value. Students will also learn to simplify complex shapes and textures into stylized forms.
technical profile
palette complexity
3
brushwork visibility
3
value contrast
3
compositional simplicity
2
study guide
est. 15 hrsapproach — 8 steps
- step 01
Sketch the basic composition, focusing on the placement of the trees, water, and major plant groupings.
- step 02
Block in the background sky with a light blue.
- step 03
Paint the dark green foliage in the background, gradually layering lighter greens towards the foreground.
- step 04
Add the tree trunks, varying their thickness and color.
- step 05
Paint the water and lily pads, using darker blues for shadows and lighter blues for highlights.
- step 06
Add the flowers and other colorful plants, focusing on their shapes and colors.
- step 07
Paint the birds, lizard, and butterflies, paying attention to their details.
- step 08
Add final details and highlights to create depth and interest.
color palette
primary · dark green · light green · blue · brown
secondary · yellow · red · purple · white
Mix various shades of green by combining blues, yellows, and browns. Use white to lighten colors and create highlights.
techniques
- ·layering
- ·dry brushing
- ·color mixing
- ·scumbling
- ·detailing
common pitfalls
- →Overworking the details
- →Making the colors too uniform
- →Ignoring the importance of layering
- →Not establishing a clear light source
materials
surface · stretched canvas
required
- ·stretched canvas
- ·acrylic or oil paints
- ·round brushes
- ·flat brushes
- ·palette
- ·palette knife
- ·linseed oil
optional
- ·medium gloss
- ·easel
- ·painting rags
Use a variety of brush sizes to create different textures. Consider using a limited palette to simplify color mixing.
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