plate no. 5897

Approaching Storm

oil, canvasTonalismlandscapelandscapetreesfigureskyfieldstorm

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in atmospheric perspective and creating depth using subtle color variations. It also provides practice in capturing the mood of a landscape.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 10 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Sketch the basic composition, focusing on the placement of the trees, figure, and horizon line.
step 02
Establish the overall value structure with a thin wash of burnt umber or raw sienna.
step 03
Block in the sky with broad strokes, blending the colors to create a sense of atmosphere.
step 04
Paint the distant hills and trees, using darker values and muted colors to suggest depth.
step 05
Develop the foreground with more detail, adding texture and variations in color to the grass and rocks.
step 06
Add the figure, keeping it simple and in proportion to the landscape.
step 07
Refine the details, such as the branches of the trees and the highlights on the rocks.
step 08
Add final glazes to unify the painting and enhance the colors.

color palette

primary · viridian green · burnt umber · titanium white

secondary · yellow ochre · ultramarine blue · raw sienna

Mix greens by combining viridian green with yellow ochre or burnt umber. Create atmospheric effects by adding white to the colors and blending them softly.

techniques