plate no. 8164

Walls of Monemvasia

Konstantinos Maleas, 1928

oilPost-Impressionismlandscapebuildingstreeslandscapearchitecturemountainscourtyard

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in simplifying complex forms into basic shapes and understanding atmospheric perspective through color and value changes. It also provides practice in creating a sense of depth using overlapping shapes and varying levels of detail.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 8 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Sketch the basic shapes of the buildings, trees, and mountains, paying attention to their relative sizes and positions.
step 02
Block in the main color areas with thin washes, starting with the sky and distant mountains.
step 03
Develop the colors of the buildings, using a limited palette of yellows, browns, and whites.
step 04
Add the darker tones to create shadows and define the forms of the buildings and trees.
step 05
Paint the trees, focusing on the overall shape and texture rather than individual leaves.
step 06
Refine the details of the buildings, such as windows and doors, using small brushstrokes.
step 07
Add the details of the courtyard, including the well and the ground texture.
step 08
Make final adjustments to the colors and values to create a sense of depth and atmosphere.

color palette

primary · yellow ochre · raw umber · titanium white

secondary · viridian green · burnt sienna

Mix various shades of yellow ochre and white for the buildings. Use raw umber and burnt sienna for the mountains and tree trunks. Mix viridian green and raw umber for the tree foliage.

techniques