plate no. 4592
Yard in Crimea
Robert Falk, 1916
some experience helpful
This painting offers a good opportunity to practice simplifying complex forms into geometric shapes and using a limited palette to create a harmonious color scheme. Students will learn to capture the essence of a scene rather than focusing on realistic details.
technical profile
palette complexity
3
brushwork visibility
4
value contrast
4
compositional simplicity
3
study guide
est. 8 hrsapproach — 8 steps
- step 01
Lightly sketch the basic shapes of the buildings, trees, and landscape, focusing on their geometric forms.
- step 02
Establish the horizon line and the main divisions of the composition.
- step 03
Block in the large areas of color using thin washes, starting with the sky and the most prominent building colors.
- step 04
Gradually build up the colors, adding layers and variations to create depth and texture.
- step 05
Use thicker paint and visible brushstrokes to define the edges of the shapes and add details.
- step 06
Pay attention to the light and shadow, using contrasting values to create form and dimension.
- step 07
Add the details of the wall and the ground, using a dry brush technique to create texture.
- step 08
Refine the composition and adjust the colors as needed to achieve a harmonious balance.
color palette
primary · yellow ochre · burnt sienna · ultramarine blue
secondary · raw umber · titanium white · sap green
Mix yellow ochre and burnt sienna for the warm tones of the buildings. Use ultramarine blue and white for the sky, adding a touch of yellow ochre for the horizon. Mix greens from blue and yellow, and browns from umber and sienna.
techniques
- ·blocking in
- ·dry brush
- ·color mixing
- ·layering
- ·geometric abstraction
common pitfalls
- →Overworking the details and losing the simplicity of the composition.
- →Using too many colors and creating a muddy or chaotic effect.
- →Failing to establish a strong value structure.
- →Not simplifying the forms into basic geometric shapes.
materials
surface · stretched canvas
required
- ·Stretched canvas (12x16 inches)
- ·Acrylic or oil paints
- ·Round brushes (#4, #6, #8)
- ·Flat brush (#6)
- ·Palette
- ·Palette knife
- ·Odorless mineral spirits or water (depending on paint type)
- ·Linseed oil (if using oil paints)
optional
- ·easel
- ·painting medium
- ·varnish
Use a canvas with a medium texture to enhance the brushwork. Acrylic paints are easier for beginners, while oil paints offer richer colors and blending capabilities.
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