plate no. 2617

American Landscape

oilRomanticismlandscapelandscapetreesbuildingfiguresskybridge

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students practice value studies and atmospheric perspective. It also provides a good exercise in simplifying complex scenes into basic shapes and tones.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 8 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Lightly sketch the basic composition, focusing on the horizon line and major shapes.
step 02
Block in the sky with a very diluted wash of the lightest tone.
step 03
Establish the darkest values in the foreground trees and building.
step 04
Gradually build up the mid-tones in the hills and distant trees, using lighter washes.
step 05
Add details to the building and figures, using a fine brush.
step 06
Paint the bridge and reflections in the water.
step 07
Refine the details and adjust the values to create depth.
step 08
Add final touches like small highlights and shadows.

color palette

primary · sepia · raw umber · ivory black

secondary · titanium white · yellow ochre

Mix sepia with varying amounts of water to create a range of values. Add a touch of yellow ochre to warm the brown tones slightly. Use white to create the lightest values and highlights.

techniques