plate no. 6497
The Shepherd in the Mountains
Boris Grigoriev, 1920
some experience helpful
Recreating this painting will help students understand how to break down complex forms into geometric shapes and use color variations to create depth and dimension. It also provides practice in creating a cohesive composition with multiple subjects.
technical profile
palette complexity
4
brushwork visibility
4
value contrast
3
compositional simplicity
3
study guide
est. 12 hrsapproach — 8 steps
- step 01
Create a basic sketch outlining the main shapes of the shepherd, sheep, and landscape.
- step 02
Divide the face and sheep into geometric planes, simplifying the forms.
- step 03
Block in the background colors, focusing on the different hues of blue and green.
- step 04
Begin painting the larger planes of color on the face and sheep, using a limited palette.
- step 05
Gradually add more detail and refine the shapes, paying attention to the subtle color variations within each plane.
- step 06
Use slightly visible brushstrokes to add texture and visual interest.
- step 07
Add the details of the eyes and mouth, keeping the geometric style consistent.
- step 08
Refine the edges and add final touches to complete the painting.
color palette
primary · yellow ochre · ultramarine blue · burnt umber · titanium white
secondary · cadmium red light · viridian green · raw sienna
Mix various shades of skin tones by combining yellow ochre, burnt umber, and titanium white. Achieve the blues of the mountains by mixing ultramarine blue with white and a touch of green. Create the grays for the sheep by mixing burnt umber, ultramarine blue, and white.
techniques
- ·geometric abstraction
- ·color blocking
- ·broken color
- ·dry brushing
- ·limited palette
common pitfalls
- →Overcomplicating the geometric shapes
- →Using too many colors and losing the cohesive feel
- →Ignoring the subtle value changes within each plane
- →Making the brushstrokes too smooth and losing the texture
materials
surface · stretched canvas
required
- ·stretched canvas
- ·acrylic or oil paints
- ·round brushes sizes 2, 4, and 6
- ·flat brushes sizes 4 and 8
- ·palette
- ·palette knife
- ·linseed oil (if using oil paints)
optional
- ·painting medium
- ·varnish
- ·easel
A medium-textured canvas will work well for this painting. Use a limited palette to maintain color harmony.
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