plate no. 4991

View of Ararat from Yerevan

Martiros Sarian, 1923

oilRealismlandscapemountainsbuildingstreeslandscapeskyvillage

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in simplifying complex scenes into basic shapes and using a limited color palette to create a harmonious composition. Students will also practice layering and blending techniques to create depth and texture.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 8 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Sketch the basic composition, focusing on the placement of the mountains, buildings, and trees.
step 02
Block in the sky with a light blue-gray wash.
step 03
Establish the mountain masses with shades of blue, gray, and white, indicating snow and shadows.
step 04
Paint the buildings using warm earth tones, paying attention to the light and shadow on their surfaces.
step 05
Add the trees in the foreground with varying shades of green, using visible brushstrokes to create texture.
step 06
Develop the middle ground with simplified shapes and colors, connecting the foreground and background.
step 07
Refine the details, such as the architectural elements of the buildings and the branches of the trees.
step 08
Add final touches to enhance the overall harmony and balance of the painting.

color palette

primary · titanium white · ultramarine blue · burnt umber · yellow ochre

secondary · sap green · cadmium red light

Mix various shades of blue and gray for the mountains by combining ultramarine blue, burnt umber, and titanium white. Create warm earth tones for the buildings by mixing burnt umber, yellow ochre, and a touch of cadmium red light. Achieve different greens for the trees by mixing sap green with yellow ochre and ultramarine blue.

techniques