plate no. 9046

The Petroleum Oil Wells at Baku, on the Caspian

oilRealismlandscapeoil wellslandscapefiguresskybuildingscarts

experienced study

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in perspective, especially atmospheric perspective, and in rendering complex structures with detail. It will also improve their ability to create a sense of depth and distance.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 15 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Sketch the basic composition, focusing on the placement of the oil wells and the horizon line.
step 02
Establish the sky with light washes of color, creating a sense of atmospheric perspective.
step 03
Block in the major shapes of the oil wells, paying attention to their relative sizes and positions.
step 04
Add details to the oil wells, including the wooden structures and any visible machinery.
step 05
Paint the ground plane with varying tones of brown and green, creating a sense of depth.
step 06
Add figures and carts to the foreground, paying attention to their scale and placement.
step 07
Refine the details of the figures and carts, adding shadows and highlights.
step 08
Add final details and highlights to the entire painting, ensuring a cohesive and realistic look.

color palette

primary · raw umber · titanium white · cerulean blue

secondary · yellow ochre · burnt sienna · payne's gray

Mix various shades of brown and gray by combining raw umber, burnt sienna, and payne's gray. Use white to lighten the colors for the sky and highlights.

techniques