plate no. 5827

Sunset

Endre Bartos, 1981

oilExpressionismlandscapesunsetlandscapetreesskyfield

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students practice color mixing to achieve muted tones and learn how to suggest form with loose, expressive brushstrokes. It also provides practice in creating atmospheric perspective with color and value changes.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 6 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Sketch the basic shapes of the trees, horizon line, and sun.
step 02
Block in the sky with a light pink, blending white around the sun.
step 03
Paint the sun with a vibrant red, adding texture with short brushstrokes.
step 04
Establish the dark masses of the trees using a mix of dark red, brown, and purple.
step 05
Add highlights to the trees with lighter shades of red and brown.
step 06
Block in the field with a mix of yellows, greens, and purples, using horizontal strokes.
step 07
Add details to the foreground with smaller brushstrokes, suggesting grasses and foliage.
step 08
Adjust values and colors as needed to create depth and atmosphere.

color palette

primary · red · pink · yellow

secondary · purple · brown · white

Mix pinks by combining red and white. Achieve muted greens by mixing yellow, blue, and a touch of red. Create dark tones by mixing red, brown, and purple.

techniques