plate no. 9590

Spring in the Parish

Jacek Yerka, 1998

oilSurrealismsymbolic paintingcityscapearchitecturebuildingsskytreesfantasy

experienced study

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in detailed rendering, atmospheric perspective, and creating a cohesive color scheme across a complex composition. It also encourages careful observation of light and shadow to create depth and form.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 40 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Sketch the basic shapes of the city and the overall composition, paying attention to the placement of the central tower.
step 02
Establish the horizon line and the basic shapes of the sky and the ground.
step 03
Block in the main color areas for the buildings, sky, and ground, using a limited palette.
step 04
Begin adding details to the buildings, focusing on the variations in color and texture.
step 05
Develop the atmospheric perspective by layering lighter and cooler colors in the background.
step 06
Add the details of the trees and foliage, using small brushstrokes to create texture.
step 07
Refine the lighting and shadows to create depth and dimension.
step 08
Add final details, such as the windows, doors, and other architectural elements.

color palette

primary · burnt sienna · yellow ochre · ultramarine blue · titanium white

secondary · raw umber · cadmium red · viridian

Achieve the warm tones of the buildings by mixing burnt sienna, yellow ochre, and cadmium red. Create the atmospheric perspective by mixing ultramarine blue and titanium white with small amounts of other colors.

techniques

·glazing
·scumbling
·dry brushing
·atmospheric perspective
·detailed rendering

common pitfalls

→Getting lost in the details too early without establishing the overall composition and color scheme.
→Failing to create a sense of depth and atmosphere.
→Using colors that are too saturated or bright.
→Not paying attention to the variations in light and shadow.