plate no. 4248
The door of Bulagaio
Felix Vallotton, 1913
some experience helpful
Recreating this painting will help students understand how to depict light and shadow on forms and how to create depth using atmospheric perspective. It also offers practice in rendering architectural details and foliage.
technical profile
palette complexity
3
brushwork visibility
3
value contrast
4
compositional simplicity
3
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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