plate no. 3975
The Lights of the Plant
Maria Stolarova, 1965
some experience helpful
Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in atmospheric perspective and simplifying complex shapes into basic forms. They will also practice mixing muted colors and creating a sense of depth through layering.
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 buildings and smokestacks, paying attention to their relative sizes and positions.
- step 02
Block in the large areas of color for the sky, ground, and buildings using thin washes.
- step 03
Begin layering colors in the sky to create the effect of smoke and atmosphere, blending edges softly.
- step 04
Add details to the buildings, focusing on the shapes of windows and other architectural elements.
- step 05
Use darker values to define shadows and create depth in the composition.
- step 06
Refine the colors and values in the ground, adding subtle variations to create interest.
- step 07
Add final details, such as the smoke coming from the smokestacks and any other small details that enhance the overall composition.
- step 08
Evaluate and adjust the painting as needed to achieve the desired effect.
color palette
primary · titanium white · raw umber · yellow ochre · viridian
secondary · cadmium red · ultramarine blue · ivory black
Mix muted greens for the ground by combining viridian, raw umber, and titanium white. Achieve the smoky sky by layering raw umber, yellow ochre, and titanium white, with touches of ultramarine blue for cooler tones.
techniques
- ·dry brushing
- ·scumbling
- ·atmospheric perspective
- ·color layering
- ·simplified shapes
common pitfalls
- →Overworking the details and losing the overall impressionistic feel.
- →Using colors that are too bright or saturated.
- →Failing to create a sense of depth and atmosphere.
- →Not simplifying the shapes of the buildings enough.
materials
surface · stretched canvas
required
- ·stretched canvas 18x24
- ·acrylic or oil paints
- ·round brushes (various sizes)
- ·flat brushes (various sizes)
- ·palette
- ·palette knife
- ·linseed oil or acrylic medium
- ·mineral spirits or water (for cleaning brushes)
optional
- ·easel
- ·painting medium
- ·varnish
Use a canvas with a medium texture to allow for easier blending and layering of colors. Consider using a limited palette to simplify the color mixing process.
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