plate no. 9795
Snow tops
Arkhyp Kuindzhi, 1895
some experience helpful
Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in atmospheric perspective and color mixing to create depth. It also provides practice in simplifying complex forms into basic shapes.
technical profile
palette complexity
3
brushwork visibility
3
value contrast
4
compositional simplicity
3
study guide
est. 8 hrsapproach — 8 steps
- step 01
Lightly sketch the basic shapes of the mountains and foreground.
- step 02
Establish the horizon line and the overall composition.
- step 03
Block in the sky with a thin layer of diluted blue and white.
- step 04
Begin layering the mountains with darker blues and purples, gradually lightening towards the snow caps.
- step 05
Add the foreground cliffs with warm browns and reds, paying attention to the light and shadow.
- step 06
Refine the snow caps with highlights of white and subtle shadows of grey and blue.
- step 07
Blend the colors smoothly to create a soft, atmospheric effect.
- step 08
Add final details to the foreground and distant valley.
color palette
primary · ultramarine blue · titanium white · burnt umber
secondary · cadmium red · violet · raw sienna
Mix blues and whites for the sky, adding a touch of violet for the upper regions. Use burnt umber and cadmium red for the foreground, and mix blues with browns for the mountain shadows.
techniques
- ·atmospheric perspective
- ·color blending
- ·layering
- ·value control
- ·scumbling
common pitfalls
- →Overworking the details in the mountains.
- →Creating harsh lines instead of soft transitions.
- →Not achieving a convincing sense of depth.
- →Using too much pure white for the snow, neglecting subtle shadows.
materials
surface · stretched canvas
required
- ·stretched canvas
- ·ultramarine blue oil paint
- ·titanium white oil paint
- ·burnt umber oil paint
- ·cadmium red oil paint
- ·round brushes (various sizes)
- ·palette
- ·linseed oil
optional
- ·palette knife
- ·medium (e.g. Liquin)
- ·easel
Use a medium-sized canvas to allow for sufficient detail. Pre-tinting the canvas with a thin wash of burnt umber can help create a warm undertone.
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