plate no. 4248
The door of Bulagaio
Felix Vallotton, 1913
study guide
est. 8 hrsapproach — 8 steps
- step 01
Sketch the basic composition, focusing on the placement of the buildings and the hillside.
- step 02
Establish the main areas of light and shadow with a thin wash of color.
- step 03
Block in the sky with a light blue, blending it softly.
- step 04
Begin layering the colors for the buildings, focusing on the warm highlights and cool shadows.
- step 05
Add the foliage, using a variety of greens and browns to create texture and depth.
- step 06
Refine the details of the architecture, such as the windows and doors.
- step 07
Adjust the values and colors to create a sense of atmospheric perspective.
- step 08
Add final highlights and details to complete the painting.
color palette
primary · ultramarine blue · yellow ochre · burnt umber · titanium white
secondary · cadmium yellow · alizarin crimson · viridian green
Mix greens by combining ultramarine blue and cadmium yellow. Achieve the warm tones in the buildings by mixing yellow ochre, burnt umber, and a touch of alizarin crimson. Use titanium white to lighten colors and create highlights.
techniques
- ·blocking in
- ·layering
- ·blending
- ·scumbling
- ·atmospheric perspective
common pitfalls
- →Overworking the details too early
- →Failing to establish a strong value structure
- →Using too much detail in the distant elements
- →Not creating enough contrast between light and shadow
materials
surface · stretched canvas
required
- ·stretched canvas
- ·ultramarine blue oil paint
- ·yellow ochre oil paint
- ·burnt umber oil paint
- ·titanium white oil paint
- ·#4 round brush
- ·#8 flat brush
optional
- ·palette knife
- ·linseed oil
- ·odorless mineral spirits
Use a medium-grain canvas for best results. Consider toning the canvas with a thin wash of burnt umber before starting.
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