plate no. 6376
The isle shadows
Soltan Soltanlı, 2018
suitable for beginners
This painting is great for practicing layering colors and creating texture with visible brushstrokes. Students will also learn to simplify complex forms into basic shapes.
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 composition, including the placement of trees, lily pads, and deer.
- step 02
Block in the sky with a light blue, adding subtle variations for clouds.
- step 03
Paint the water with varying shades of blue and green, using short brushstrokes to create texture.
- step 04
Add the trees, starting with a dark green base and layering lighter greens on top to create depth.
- step 05
Paint the lily pads with a flat green color, adding shadows underneath.
- step 06
Block in the deer with a base color of brown and add details like spots and highlights.
- step 07
Refine the details, such as the texture of the trees and the reflections in the water.
- step 08
Add final highlights and shadows to create depth and dimension.
color palette
primary · cerulean blue · sap green · burnt sienna · titanium white
secondary · yellow ochre · ultramarine blue
Mix different shades of green by combining sap green with yellow ochre and ultramarine blue. Achieve the deer's color by mixing burnt sienna with white and a touch of yellow ochre.
techniques
- ·dry brush texture
- ·layering
- ·color mixing
- ·scumbling
- ·blending
common pitfalls
- →Overworking the details and losing the simplicity of the composition.
- →Using too much paint and creating a muddy effect.
- →Not paying attention to the values and creating a flat image.
- →Making the deer appear too stiff or unnatural.
materials
surface · stretched canvas
required
- ·stretched canvas
- ·acrylic paints
- ·round brushes
- ·flat brushes
- ·palette
- ·water container
- ·paper towels
- ·pencil
optional
- ·palette knife
- ·medium gloss
- ·easel
Use a medium-grain canvas for better texture. Acrylic paints are recommended for beginners due to their fast drying time.
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