plate no. 0350

Wild Rowan

Arkady Rylov, 1922

oilSymbolismlandscapeflowersrivertreesskycloudslandscape

some experience helpful

This painting helps students practice layering colors to create depth and texture, as well as simplifying complex forms into expressive brushstrokes. Students will also learn to balance warm and cool colors to create a harmonious landscape.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 10 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Sketch the basic composition, indicating the horizon line, river, and major groupings of flowers and trees.
step 02
Block in the sky with light blue and white, using soft, blended strokes to suggest clouds.
step 03
Establish the river with varying shades of blue, adding hints of green and purple for reflections.
step 04
Lay in the general shapes of the trees and foliage with dark greens and browns.
step 05
Begin adding the flowers, starting with the dominant yellow and white masses, using short, broken brushstrokes.
step 06
Introduce variations in the greens of the grass and foliage, adding highlights and shadows.
step 07
Refine the details of the flowers and foliage, adding texture and definition with smaller brushstrokes.
step 08
Add final highlights and shadows to enhance the overall depth and luminosity.

color palette

primary · ultramarine blue · yellow ochre · titanium white · sap green

secondary · burnt umber · cadmium yellow light · alizarin crimson · violet

Mix greens by combining yellow ochre and ultramarine blue. Create variations in the sky by adding small amounts of alizarin crimson or violet to the blue and white mixture. Muted greens can be achieved by adding a touch of burnt umber to your green mixture.

techniques