plate no. 2157
The goat
some experience helpful
This painting provides practice in layering colors to create depth and atmosphere. Students can learn to simplify complex forms into basic shapes and use color to suggest texture.
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 shapes: building, mountains, trees, and the vase.
- step 02
Block in the sky with a light blue pastel.
- step 03
Establish the dark areas of the trees and foreground with dark green and brown pastels.
- step 04
Add the basic colors of the building, using yellows and oranges.
- step 05
Layer in the colors of the mountains, using purples and blues.
- step 06
Develop the details of the vase, using light blues and whites.
- step 07
Add highlights and shadows to create depth and dimension.
- step 08
Refine the details and blend colors as needed.
color palette
primary · light blue · dark green · yellow
secondary · purple · orange · white
Mix blues and purples for the mountains. Use layers of yellow and orange for the building. Mix white with blue and green for highlights on the vase and trees.
techniques
- ·layering
- ·blending
- ·scumbling
- ·color mixing
- ·atmospheric perspective
common pitfalls
- →Overworking the pastel and losing the texture.
- →Not establishing a strong value structure.
- →Using colors that are too saturated.
- →Ignoring the atmospheric perspective.
materials
surface · Pastel paper (toned)
required
- ·Pastel set (soft pastels)
- ·Pastel paper (toned)
- ·Blending stumps
- ·Kneaded eraser
- ·Fixative spray
- ·Pencil
- ·Ruler
optional
- ·Palette knife
- ·Workable fixative
Choose a pastel paper with a slightly rough texture to hold the pastel. A toned paper will help to unify the colors.
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