plate no. 8678

The sun

Pellizza da Volpedo, 1904

oil, canvasDivisionismlandscapelandscapesunfieldskyhorizonbuilding

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students understand divisionist techniques and how to create a sense of light and atmosphere using small, distinct strokes of color. It also provides practice in creating depth and perspective through subtle value changes.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 15 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Prepare a canvas with a neutral ground.
step 02
Lightly sketch the horizon line and the basic shapes of the landscape.
step 03
Establish the central point of the sun and radiating lines.
step 04
Begin applying small, distinct strokes of color, starting with the lightest areas around the sun.
step 05
Gradually build up the colors in the sky and landscape, using a variety of hues and values.
step 06
Pay attention to the direction of the brushstrokes, following the radiating lines from the sun.
step 07
Add details to the foreground, such as the suggestion of grass and foliage.
step 08
Refine the colors and values until the desired effect is achieved.

color palette

primary · yellow ochre · titanium white · raw umber

secondary · cerulean blue · burnt sienna · sap green

Achieve the subtle color variations by mixing small amounts of the secondary colors into the primary colors. Use white to lighten the values and create a sense of luminosity.

techniques