plate no. 6814

Yenisey. Tuva. Tora Xema

Petros Malayan, 1967

oilExpressionismgenre paintingfigurefishboatsbuildingskybaskets

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in watercolor washes and layering, as well as capturing the essence of a scene with loose, expressive brushstrokes. Students will also learn how to suggest detail rather than rendering every element precisely.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 8 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Lightly sketch the main shapes: the figure, baskets, building, and boats.
step 02
Apply a light wash of diluted grey/blue for the sky and background water.
step 03
Establish the basic values of the figure with light washes of skin tone, clothing, and apron.
step 04
Paint the baskets with a mix of browns and greys, indicating the shape and shadow.
step 05
Add the fish in the baskets and on the ground with small, quick strokes of white and grey, hinting at their form.
step 06
Define the building and boats with darker washes, paying attention to the light and shadow.
step 07
Add details to the figure's face, headscarf, and gloves with small, controlled strokes.
step 08
Refine the overall composition by adding darker accents and highlights where needed.

color palette

primary · grey · blue · brown · white

secondary · yellow ochre · red · black

Mix various shades of grey by combining blue, brown, and white. Achieve skin tones by mixing yellow ochre, red, and white. Use diluted black for shadows and details.

techniques

·wet-on-wet blending
·dry brush texture
·watercolor washes
·layering
·suggestive brushwork

common pitfalls

→Overworking the details and losing the loose, expressive quality.
→Making the colors too saturated and bright.
→Not establishing a clear value structure.
→Using too much water and losing control of the washes.

materials

surface · watercolor paper 140lb

required

·Watercolor paints
·Watercolor brushes (round and flat)
·Watercolor paper (140lb or heavier)
·Palette
·Water container
·Pencil
·Eraser
·Masking tape

optional

·palette knife
·gouache
·ruler

Use high-quality watercolor paper to prevent buckling and allow for better blending. Experiment with different brush sizes to achieve varying levels of detail.

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