
plate no. 3489
This painting provides practice in layering colors and creating texture with visible brushstrokes. Students will learn to simplify complex scenes into abstract shapes and color blocks.
technical profile
approach — 8 steps
Sketch the basic shapes of the trees and horizon line with a light pencil.
Block in the sky with a light blue, using broad brushstrokes.
Establish the main areas of foliage with general color masses (greens, purples, yellows).
Begin layering colors within each area, using short, visible brushstrokes.
Add highlights and shadows to create depth and dimension.
Refine the shapes of the trees, adding details with smaller brushes.
Pay attention to the color relationships between different areas of the painting.
Add final touches and adjust values as needed.
color palette
primary · cerulean blue · yellow ochre · titanium white · sap green
secondary · cadmium red · violet · raw umber
Mix greens by combining blues and yellows. Create muted tones by adding a touch of complementary color (e.g., red to green).
techniques
common pitfalls
surface · stretched canvas
required
optional
Use a variety of brush sizes to create different textures. Consider using a palette knife for applying thick layers of paint.
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