plate no. 1155
A River Landscape on the Thames
some experience helpful
This painting is a good exercise in atmospheric perspective and creating depth through subtle value and color changes. Students can learn to simplify complex scenes into basic shapes and values.
technical profile
palette complexity
3
brushwork visibility
4
value contrast
3
compositional simplicity
3
study guide
est. 8 hrsapproach — 8 steps
- step 01
Sketch the basic composition, focusing on the horizon line and major shapes.
- step 02
Establish the sky with broad washes of muted yellows, grays, and blues.
- step 03
Block in the distant landmasses and buildings with diluted browns and grays.
- step 04
Paint the water, reflecting the colors of the sky and land.
- step 05
Add the boats and figures in the foreground, paying attention to their relative sizes and positions.
- step 06
Develop the details in the foreground, such as the shoreline and the objects on the beach.
- step 07
Refine the highlights and shadows to create depth and dimension.
- step 08
Add final details and adjust values as needed.
color palette
primary · yellow ochre · raw umber · titanium white · Prussian blue
secondary · burnt sienna · cadmium red light
Mix muted grays and browns by combining the primary colors. Use white to lighten values and create atmospheric haze.
techniques
- ·atmospheric perspective
- ·glazing
- ·dry brushing
- ·scumbling
- ·wet-on-dry
common pitfalls
- →Overworking the details too early
- →Using colors that are too saturated
- →Ignoring the importance of value contrast
- →Not establishing a clear focal point
materials
surface · stretched canvas
required
- ·stretched canvas
- ·yellow ochre oil paint
- ·raw umber oil paint
- ·titanium white oil paint
- ·Prussian blue oil paint
- ·#4 round brush
- ·#8 flat brush
optional
- ·palette knife
- ·linseed oil
- ·odorless mineral spirits
Use a medium-grain canvas for best results. Consider using a toned canvas to speed up the painting process.
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