plate no. 1566
View on the Island of Valaam
Iván Shishkin, 1858
some experience helpful
Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in layering colors to create depth and using value to define form, particularly in the rocks and foliage. It also provides practice in rendering realistic textures.
technical profile
palette complexity
4
brushwork visibility
3
value contrast
4
compositional simplicity
3
study guide
est. 12 hrsapproach — 8 steps
- step 01
Sketch the basic composition, focusing on the placement of the rocks, trees, and water.
- step 02
Establish the sky with a light blue wash, blending towards the horizon.
- step 03
Block in the dark values of the rocks and trees using a mix of browns and greens.
- step 04
Begin layering lighter tones on the rocks to create form and highlight areas catching the light.
- step 05
Add details to the foliage, using a variety of greens and yellows to represent different plants.
- step 06
Paint the water, reflecting the sky and surrounding landscape.
- step 07
Refine the details of the foreground, adding small plants and rocks.
- step 08
Add final highlights and shadows to enhance the sense of depth and realism.
color palette
primary · sap green · burnt umber · titanium white · cerulean blue
secondary · yellow ochre · raw sienna · payne's gray
Mix greens by combining blues and yellows, and browns by combining reds, yellows, and blues. Use white to lighten values and create highlights.
techniques
- ·layering
- ·dry brushing
- ·blending
- ·scumbling
- ·atmospheric perspective
common pitfalls
- →Overworking the details too early in the process.
- →Failing to establish a strong value structure.
- →Using too much pure color without mixing.
- →Ignoring the subtle color variations in the rocks and foliage.
materials
surface · stretched canvas
required
- ·stretched canvas
- ·oil paints
- ·palette
- ·palette knife
- ·assorted brushes (round and flat)
- ·linseed oil
- ·turpentine
- ·rags
optional
- ·medium gloss
- ·easel
- ·painting knife
Use high-quality oil paints for best results. A medium-sized canvas (16x20 or 18x24) is recommended.
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