plate no. 5535

The Beginning of May

Tetyana Yablonska, 1984

oil, canvasImpressionismlandscapetreesbushesparklandscapeskylampposts

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in layering colors to create depth and atmosphere, as well as using broken color to represent textures in nature. It also provides practice in simplifying complex scenes into basic shapes and values.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 8 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Lightly sketch the basic composition, including the horizon line, the placement of the trees, bushes, and lampposts.
step 02
Block in the main areas of color with thin washes, starting with the sky and background trees.
step 03
Gradually build up layers of color on the bushes, using short, broken brushstrokes to create texture.
step 04
Add details to the trees and lampposts, paying attention to the direction of light.
step 05
Refine the foreground with darker values and more defined brushstrokes.
step 06
Add highlights to the bushes and trees to create a sense of depth.
step 07
Check the overall balance of the painting and make any necessary adjustments.
step 08
Allow to dry and add a varnish if desired.

color palette

primary · sap green · titanium white · raw umber · yellow ochre

secondary · cerulean blue · burnt sienna

Mix greens by blending yellow ochre and cerulean blue with varying amounts of white. Use raw umber and burnt sienna to create earth tones for the bushes and foreground.

techniques