plate no. 6748
The Evening
Alexandre Benois, 1906
some experience helpful
This painting provides practice in layering colors to create depth and texture, as well as simplifying complex forms into basic shapes. Students will also learn to capture the effect of light on different surfaces.
technical profile
palette complexity
3
brushwork visibility
4
value contrast
3
compositional simplicity
3
study guide
est. 8 hrsapproach — 8 steps
- step 01
Sketch the basic shapes of the rocks, houses, and horizon line.
- step 02
Block in the large areas of color for the sky, water, and land.
- step 03
Add darker values to define the shadows on the rocks and houses.
- step 04
Introduce lighter values to highlight the sunlit areas.
- step 05
Layer in the mid-tones to create a sense of depth and form.
- step 06
Add details to the vegetation and architectural elements.
- step 07
Refine the colors and values to match the original painting.
- step 08
Add final touches and highlights to complete the painting.
color palette
primary · ultramarine blue · yellow ochre · titanium white · burnt umber
secondary · cadmium yellow · raw sienna · alizarin crimson
Mix blues and browns with white for the rocks. Use yellow ochre and cadmium yellow for the vegetation. Create muted grays by mixing complementary colors.
techniques
- ·blocking in
- ·layering
- ·scumbling
- ·dry brushing
- ·color mixing
common pitfalls
- →overworking the details
- →using colors that are too saturated
- →not establishing a clear value structure
- →failing to simplify the forms
materials
surface · stretched canvas
required
- ·stretched canvas
- ·oil paints
- ·palette
- ·palette knife
- ·assorted brushes
- ·linseed oil
- ·odorless mineral spirits
optional
- ·painting medium
- ·easel
- ·rags
Use a medium-grit canvas for better texture. Consider using a limited palette to simplify color mixing.
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