plate no. 0938
Above Rydal Mount, Ambleside
David Bates, 1897
some experience helpful
Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in atmospheric perspective and layering techniques to create depth. It also provides practice in depicting foliage and natural textures with loose brushwork.
technical profile
palette complexity
4
brushwork visibility
4
value contrast
3
compositional simplicity
3
study guide
est. 12 hrsapproach — 8 steps
- step 01
Sketch the basic composition, focusing on the horizon line and major shapes.
- step 02
Establish the sky with light blue and white, blending softly.
- step 03
Block in the distant hills with muted blues and greens, using lighter values for areas further away.
- step 04
Add the main tree masses, using darker greens and browns, varying the tones to create depth.
- step 05
Define the foreground field with a mix of greens, yellows, and browns, adding texture with broken brushstrokes.
- step 06
Paint the figures and the cart, keeping them relatively small and simple.
- step 07
Add details to the trees and foliage, using a dry brush technique for texture.
- step 08
Refine the overall composition and adjust values as needed.
color palette
primary · ultramarine blue · yellow ochre · burnt umber · titanium white
secondary · cadmium yellow · alizarin crimson · viridian green
Mix greens by blending yellow ochre and ultramarine blue, adjust with white for lighter shades. Create atmospheric perspective by adding white to colors for distant elements.
techniques
- ·atmospheric perspective
- ·broken color
- ·dry brush
- ·layering
- ·scumbling
common pitfalls
- →Overworking details in the distant landscape.
- →Creating too much contrast in the background.
- →Making the foreground too bright and distracting.
- →Not varying the greens enough, resulting in a flat appearance.
materials
surface · stretched canvas
required
- ·stretched canvas
- ·oil paints
- ·round brushes
- ·flat brushes
- ·palette
- ·linseed oil
- ·turpentine
optional
- ·palette knife
- ·painting medium
- ·easel
Use a medium-sized canvas (e.g., 16x20 inches) for manageable detail. Consider using a toned canvas to establish a base color.
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