plate no. 8678
The sun
Pellizza da Volpedo, 1904
study guide
est. 15 hrsapproach — 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
- ·divisionism
- ·pointillism
- ·dry brush
- ·scumbling
- ·color mixing
common pitfalls
- →Overmixing colors, resulting in muddy tones.
- →Creating strokes that are too large or uniform.
- →Ignoring the direction of the brushstrokes.
- →Failing to establish a strong value contrast.
- →Losing the sense of light and atmosphere.
materials
surface · stretched canvas
required
- ·stretched canvas
- ·oil paints
- ·small round brushes
- ·palette
- ·palette knife
- ·linseed oil
- ·odorless mineral spirits
optional
- ·medium gloss
- ·easel
- ·rags
- ·mahl stick
Use high-quality oil paints for best results. Experiment with different brush sizes to achieve the desired effect.
tips & new artworks in your inbox
no spam — unsubscribe anytime.
or to save artworks, chat, and track progress
in this vein
