plate no. 2915

The Girls of Arcozelo

oilExpressionismgenre paintingfigureslandscapeskybuildingsvegetationmoon

some experience helpful

This painting allows students to practice simplified figure drawing and creating a sense of depth through color and value changes in the landscape. Students will also learn to create texture with visible brushstrokes.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 10 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Sketch the basic composition, focusing on the placement of the figures, buildings, and horizon line.
step 02
Block in the large areas of color: sky, ground, and the dresses of the figures.
step 03
Add details to the figures, including facial features, hair, and clothing details.
step 04
Paint the background landscape, including the buildings, hills, and vegetation.
step 05
Add highlights and shadows to create depth and dimension.
step 06
Refine the details and add any finishing touches.
step 07
Add the small details like the moon and the birds.
step 08
Add the details of the box.

color palette

primary · ultramarine blue · burnt sienna · titanium white · rose madder

secondary · yellow ochre · ivory black

Mix various shades of blue for the sky, blending with white for lighter areas. Use burnt sienna and white for the ground, adding yellow ochre for warmth. Mix rose madder and white for the pink dresses.

techniques