plate no. 8786
Sunlight
Max Pechstein, 1921
some experience helpful
This painting provides an opportunity to practice simplified color palettes and expressive brushstrokes to create a sense of form and light. Students can learn to abstract shapes and use color to convey mood and atmosphere.
technical profile
palette complexity
3
brushwork visibility
4
value contrast
3
compositional simplicity
3
study guide
est. 8 hrsapproach — 8 steps
- step 01
Lightly sketch the basic shapes and composition of the figures and background.
- step 02
Block in the large areas of color, focusing on the overall value structure.
- step 03
Begin adding details to the faces, using simplified shapes and colors.
- step 04
Develop the forms of the dresses, using variations of white and blue.
- step 05
Add the background foliage, using expressive brushstrokes and varying shades of green.
- step 06
Refine the edges and shapes, paying attention to the overall balance of the composition.
- step 07
Add final highlights and shadows to create depth and dimension.
- step 08
Review and adjust the painting as needed to achieve the desired effect.
color palette
primary · Prussian Blue · Yellow Ochre · Titanium White · Cadmium Red
secondary · Emerald Green · Burnt Sienna
Mix greens by combining Prussian Blue and Yellow Ochre. Create skin tones by mixing Yellow Ochre, Cadmium Red, and Titanium White. Vary the whites by adding small amounts of blue or yellow.
techniques
- ·Impasto
- ·Color Blocking
- ·Simplified Forms
- ·Expressive Brushwork
- ·Color Temperature
common pitfalls
- →Overworking the details and losing the expressive quality of the brushstrokes.
- →Creating muddy colors by overmixing.
- →Failing to simplify the forms and shapes.
- →Ignoring the overall value structure of the painting.
materials
surface · Stretched canvas
required
- ·Stretched canvas 16x20
- ·Acrylic or oil paints
- ·Round brushes (#4, #6, #8)
- ·Flat brushes (#6, #10)
- ·Palette
- ·Palette knife
- ·Odorless mineral spirits or water (depending on paint type)
- ·Linseed oil (if using oil paints)
optional
- ·Medium gloss
- ·Easel
- ·Rags
Use good quality paints for best results. Consider using a toned canvas to help establish the value structure.
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