plate no. 0336
The sunset
Sven Jonson, 1963
some experience helpful
Recreating this painting will help students understand color blocking and layering to create depth and texture, as well as how to simplify complex scenes into abstract shapes.
technical profile
palette complexity
4
brushwork visibility
3
value contrast
3
compositional simplicity
3
study guide
est. 12 hrsapproach — 8 steps
- step 01
Divide the canvas into a grid-like structure, loosely following the painting's composition.
- step 02
Block in the major color areas (sky, trees, ground) with diluted washes.
- step 03
Start layering darker values to define the shapes of the trees and foliage.
- step 04
Introduce secondary colors and highlights to create visual interest within each block.
- step 05
Add details such as tree branches and subtle variations in the sky.
- step 06
Refine the edges of the blocks to create a balance between abstraction and representation.
- step 07
Add final touches and highlights to enhance the overall composition.
- step 08
Step back and adjust colors and values as needed to match the original painting's mood.
color palette
primary · cerulean blue · sap green · burnt umber
secondary · yellow ochre · titanium white · ultramarine blue
Mix various shades of blue and green by combining cerulean blue, ultramarine blue, sap green, and white. Use burnt umber and yellow ochre to create earth tones for the trees and ground.
techniques
- ·color blocking
- ·layering
- ·dry brushing
- ·scumbling
- ·glazing
common pitfalls
- →Overworking the details and losing the abstract quality.
- →Using colors straight from the tube without mixing.
- →Ignoring the underlying grid structure.
- →Not allowing layers to dry properly before applying the next.
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)
- ·mineral spirits or turpentine (for cleaning brushes)
optional
- ·painting medium
- ·easel
- ·apron
Using a textured canvas can enhance the brushstroke effect. Acrylics are recommended for beginners due to faster drying times.
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