plate no. 4418
View of Kislovodsk
some experience helpful
This painting provides practice in layering colors to create depth and atmosphere, and simplifying complex forms into basic shapes. Students can learn to create a sense of distance using color and value changes.
technical profile
palette complexity
3
brushwork visibility
4
value contrast
3
compositional simplicity
3
study guide
est. 8 hrsapproach — 8 steps
- step 01
Sketch the basic composition, focusing on the placement of the trees, buildings, and horizon line.
- step 02
Block in the sky with a light blue wash, leaving some areas white for clouds.
- step 03
Add the distant mountains with a muted green and brown mixture.
- step 04
Paint the buildings and architecture in the midground, using simplified shapes and colors.
- step 05
Layer in the trees, using darker greens and browns for the shadows and lighter greens for the highlights.
- step 06
Add details to the foliage in the foreground, using a variety of greens and yellows.
- step 07
Define the path with a reddish-brown color, adding shadows and highlights to create depth.
- step 08
Refine the details and add any final touches.
color palette
primary · sap green · ultramarine blue · burnt umber
secondary · yellow ochre · titanium white · cadmium red
Mix greens by combining blue and yellow. Use white to lighten colors and create highlights. Mute colors by adding a touch of complementary color.
techniques
- ·layering
- ·color mixing
- ·atmospheric perspective
- ·simplified shapes
- ·broken color
common pitfalls
- →Overworking the details and losing the overall impression.
- →Using too much detail in the background, which can flatten the image.
- →Not creating enough contrast between the foreground and background.
- →Making the colors too saturated and unnatural.
materials
surface · stretched canvas
required
- ·stretched canvas
- ·acrylic paints
- ·round brushes
- ·flat brushes
- ·palette
- ·water container
- ·palette knife
- ·paper towels
optional
- ·medium gloss
- ·easel
- ·painting knife
Use a medium-grain canvas for best results. Acrylic paints are recommended for their fast drying time.
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