plate no. 2239

Sky over the Desert

Valeria Trubina, 1999

oilMagic Realismlandscapedesertcactiskysunsetlandscapenight

some experience helpful

This painting helps develop skills in blending colors to create atmospheric effects and understanding how to depict light in a nighttime landscape. It also encourages experimentation with expressive brushstrokes to convey texture and mood.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 8 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Sketch the basic shapes of the cacti and the horizon line.
step 02
Block in the sky with broad strokes of blue, blending lighter shades towards the horizon.
step 03
Apply the orange and red hues of the sunset, blending them into the blue sky.
step 04
Paint the cacti with a base layer of yellow-green, adding highlights and shadows to create form.
step 05
Add details to the cacti, such as the spines and flowers, using smaller brushes.
step 06
Paint the distant landscape with dark blues and browns, suggesting silhouettes of other cacti and vegetation.
step 07
Add the moon and stars with small dabs of white paint.
step 08
Create the dripping effect with thin lines of black paint, allowing them to run down the canvas.

color palette

primary · ultramarine blue · cadmium orange · yellow ochre

secondary · burnt umber · titanium white · cadmium red

Mix blues and whites for the sky, oranges and reds for the sunset. Use yellow ochre with touches of blue and brown for the cacti. Create depth by mixing darker tones for the background.

techniques