plate no. 8292
Above the Gravel Pit
Emily Carr, 1937
some experience helpful
Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in expressive brushwork and layering colors to create depth and movement, particularly in the sky. Students will also learn to simplify complex landscapes 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 shapes of the landscape and sky, focusing on the horizon line and major landforms.
- step 02
Block in the sky with broad strokes of blue and white, creating swirling patterns.
- step 03
Establish the base colors of the hills and trees, using earth tones and greens.
- step 04
Layer darker values to define the shadows and contours of the landscape.
- step 05
Add highlights to the hills and trees to create a sense of depth and dimension.
- step 06
Refine the details of the tree stumps and other foreground elements.
- step 07
Adjust the colors and values as needed to achieve the desired mood and atmosphere.
- step 08
Add final touches and details to the sky and landscape.
color palette
primary · ultramarine blue · titanium white · burnt umber
secondary · sap green · yellow ochre · raw sienna
Mix various shades of blue and white to create the swirling sky. Use burnt umber and yellow ochre for the earth tones, and mix with white to create lighter values. Add sap green for the foliage.
techniques
- ·wet-on-wet blending
- ·expressive brushstrokes
- ·layering
- ·scumbling
- ·color mixing
common pitfalls
- →Overblending the sky, resulting in a flat, lifeless effect.
- →Using too much detail in the landscape, making it look cluttered.
- →Failing to establish a clear value structure, resulting in a muddy painting.
- →Not capturing the movement and energy of the sky.
materials
surface · stretched canvas
required
- ·stretched canvas
- ·ultramarine blue oil paint
- ·titanium white oil paint
- ·burnt umber oil paint
- ·sap green oil paint
- ·yellow ochre oil paint
- ·#8 flat brush
- ·#4 round brush
optional
- ·palette knife
- ·linseed oil
- ·turpentine
- ·medium gloss
Use good quality oil paints for best results. A medium-sized canvas (16x20 inches) is recommended for beginners.
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