plate no. 1418

Thermos, Aitoloakarnania

Konstantinos Maleas, 1921

oilPost-Impressionismlandscapelandscapetreeshillsfieldsskyvegetation

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in layering colors to create depth and texture, and in simplifying complex scenes into basic shapes and forms. It also provides practice in creating a sense of atmospheric perspective.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 8 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Lightly sketch the basic composition, focusing on the horizon line and major shapes of the hills, fields, and tree groupings.
step 02
Block in the sky with a thin wash of light blue, allowing some variation in tone.
step 03
Establish the base colors for the hills, fields, and foreground, using muted earth tones.
step 04
Begin layering darker greens and browns to define the shapes of the trees and bushes, using visible brushstrokes.
step 05
Add highlights to the trees and fields to create a sense of light and shadow.
step 06
Refine the details of the foreground, adding texture and variation to the vegetation.
step 07
Adjust the overall color balance and value contrast to create a cohesive and harmonious image.
step 08
Add final details and adjust edges for a finished look.

color palette

primary · yellow ochre · sap green · burnt umber · cerulean blue

secondary · titanium white · raw sienna · ultramarine blue

Mix greens by combining yellow ochre and ultramarine blue. Create muted earth tones by mixing burnt umber with white and small amounts of other colors. Achieve atmospheric perspective by lightening and desaturating colors as they recede into the distance.

techniques