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home·artworks·A Hilly Scene
A Hilly Scene by Samuel Palmer

plate no. 2922

A Hilly Scene

Samuel Palmer, 1828

oilRomanticismlandscapelandscapetreesmoonbuildinghillsgate
some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in layering colors to create depth and atmosphere, as well as practicing expressive brushwork to capture the texture of the landscape. Students will also learn to create a sense of mystery and mood through the use of light and shadow.

technical profile

palette complexity
4
brushwork visibility
4
value contrast
3
compositional simplicity
3

study guide

est. 12 hrs

approach — 8 steps

  1. step 01

    Sketch the basic composition, focusing on the placement of the trees, hills, and building.

  2. step 02

    Establish the dark underpainting using burnt umber or a similar dark brown.

  3. step 03

    Begin layering in the darker greens and browns of the foliage and ground, using short, broken brushstrokes.

  4. step 04

    Add the lighter greens and yellows to the hills and trees, creating highlights and depth.

  5. step 05

    Paint the building, paying attention to the details of the roof and walls.

  6. step 06

    Add the moon and star, using white and pale blue.

  7. step 07

    Refine the details of the trees and foliage, adding texture and definition.

  8. step 08

    Adjust the values and colors as needed to create a cohesive and atmospheric painting.

color palette

primary · burnt umber · sap green · yellow ochre · titanium white

secondary · ultramarine blue · cadmium yellow light

Mix greens by combining yellow ochre and ultramarine blue. Create lighter shades by adding titanium white. Use burnt umber as a base for shadows and dark areas.

techniques

  • ·layering
  • ·dry brushing
  • ·scumbling
  • ·broken color
  • ·atmospheric perspective

common pitfalls

  • →Overworking the painting and losing the sense of spontaneity.
  • →Using too much detail in the background, which can flatten the image.
  • →Failing to create enough contrast between light and shadow.
  • →Not capturing the texture of the landscape.

materials

surface · stretched canvas

required

  • ·stretched canvas
  • ·burnt umber oil paint
  • ·sap green oil paint
  • ·yellow ochre oil paint
  • ·titanium white oil paint
  • ·round brushes (various sizes)
  • ·palette
  • ·linseed oil

optional

  • ·palette knife
  • ·medium (e.g., Liquin)
  • ·easel

Use high-quality oil paints for best results. A canvas with a medium texture will help to create a more textured painting.

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oil painting for beginners →how to learn by studying the masters →
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