plate no. 2140

Travelling Moomins

oilExpressionismillustrationmoominsleavesmoonnightskyfantasy

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students practice hatching and cross-hatching techniques for creating texture and value, as well as simplified character drawing and composition.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 8 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Lightly sketch the basic shapes of the leaves, characters, moon, and flower.
step 02
Block in the large areas of color: the yellow of the moon, the orange of the flower, and the blue of the sky.
step 03
Begin adding details to the leaves using hatching and cross-hatching to create texture and form.
step 04
Paint the Moomin characters with simple white shapes, adding subtle shadows.
step 05
Develop the sky with layers of blue, adding darker tones around the moon and lighter tones towards the top.
step 06
Add the small details like the stars, flying objects, and the texture of the ground.
step 07
Refine the edges and details of the leaves and characters.
step 08
Add final touches and highlights.

color palette

primary · cerulean blue · yellow ochre · cadmium orange

secondary · black · white · red

Mix various shades of blue by adding white or black to the cerulean blue. Create the leaf color by mixing yellow ochre with a touch of brown or green.

techniques