plate no. 2754
SUMMER UNDER MOUNTAINS JESENIKY
JAROSLAV KELUC, 1974
some experience helpful
This painting is a good exercise in capturing light and atmosphere using impressionistic brushstrokes. Recreating it will help students develop skills in color mixing and layering.
technical profile
palette complexity
4
brushwork visibility
4
value contrast
3
compositional simplicity
3
study guide
est. 8 hrsapproach — 8 steps
- step 01
Sketch the basic composition, focusing on the horizon line and the placement of key elements like the trees and buildings.
- step 02
Apply a thin wash of diluted color to establish the overall color scheme and tonal values.
- step 03
Begin layering in the sky, blending colors to create soft, atmospheric clouds.
- step 04
Block in the distant hills and trees with broad strokes, using cooler colors to suggest distance.
- step 05
Focus on the foreground, building up layers of yellow and green to represent the field.
- step 06
Add details to the trees and buildings, using smaller brushstrokes and darker values.
- step 07
Refine the composition by adjusting colors and values as needed.
- step 08
Add final highlights and shadows to create depth and dimension.
color palette
primary · yellow ochre · cerulean blue · cadmium green · burnt sienna
secondary · violet · white · raw umber
Mix greens by combining yellow ochre and cerulean blue. Create muted tones by adding a touch of burnt sienna to your mixes.
techniques
- ·broken color
- ·wet-on-wet blending
- ·scumbling
- ·layering
- ·color mixing
common pitfalls
- →Overworking the painting and losing the freshness of the brushstrokes.
- →Using too much detail and creating a stiff, unnatural look.
- →Failing to establish a clear focal point.
- →Not paying attention to color temperature and value contrasts.
materials
surface · stretched canvas
required
- ·Stretched canvas 12x16
- ·Acrylic or oil paints
- ·Round brushes (sizes 2, 6, 8)
- ·Flat brushes (sizes 4, 10)
- ·Palette
- ·Palette knife
- ·Odorless mineral spirits or water (depending on paint type)
- ·Linseed oil (if using oil paints)
optional
- ·easel
- ·painting medium
- ·varnish
Use a limited palette to simplify color mixing. Consider using a toned canvas to establish a base color.
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