plate no. 3313

The sun

Mikalojus Konstantinas Ciurlionis, 1907

oilSymbolismlandscapesuntreeslandscapesilhouettenightsky

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students practice layering colors to create a glowing effect and simplifying complex shapes into silhouettes. It also encourages experimentation with texture and subtle color variations.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 8 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Sketch the basic composition: a large circle for the sun and a horizontal line for the horizon.
step 02
Block in the dark silhouette of the trees with a dark blue or black.
step 03
Apply a base layer of yellow-orange for the sun.
step 04
Add layers of lighter yellows and whites to the sun, focusing on the center for brightness.
step 05
Blend the edges of the sun into the surrounding sky with soft blues and grays.
step 06
Add subtle details to the tree silhouettes, varying the height and shape of each tree.
step 07
Create the glowing effect around the trees by adding thin, light strokes of yellow and white.
step 08
Refine the details and adjust the values to create depth and atmosphere.

color palette

primary · yellow ochre · titanium white · ultramarine blue

secondary · burnt umber · raw sienna · payne's gray

Mix yellow ochre and white for the sun's main color. Add small amounts of burnt umber or raw sienna to create warmer tones. Use ultramarine blue and white for the sky, adding a touch of payne's gray for darker areas.

techniques

·layering
·blending
·silhouette
·scumbling
·dry brushing

common pitfalls

→Making the sun too uniform in color and texture.
→Creating tree silhouettes that are too symmetrical or evenly spaced.
→Over-blending, which can flatten the image.
→Not achieving enough contrast between the sun and the sky.

materials

surface · stretched canvas

required

·stretched canvas
·acrylic or oil paints
·round brushes (various sizes)
·flat brushes (various sizes)
·palette
·palette knife
·linseed oil (if using oil paints)
·rags

optional

·medium gloss
·easel
·color shapers

Use a canvas with a smooth texture to facilitate blending. Acrylics are faster drying and easier to clean up, while oils allow for more blending time.

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