plate no. 1998

Approaching Thunderstorm, Flocks Driven Home, Picardy, France

oilRomanticismanimal paintingsheepdogcloudslandscapestormfield

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in atmospheric perspective and rendering realistic animal forms in a dynamic composition. It also provides practice in capturing the mood of a stormy landscape.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 15 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Sketch the basic composition, focusing on the placement of the horizon line and the main groups of sheep.
step 02
Block in the sky with broad strokes, establishing the light and dark areas of the storm clouds.
step 03
Establish the base colors of the landscape, paying attention to the subtle variations in tone.
step 04
Begin to define the forms of the sheep, using layers of paint to create the texture of their wool.
step 05
Add details to the dog, capturing its movement and energy.
step 06
Refine the details of the landscape, adding highlights and shadows to create depth.
step 07
Adjust the values and colors throughout the painting to create a sense of atmospheric perspective.
step 08
Add final details and highlights to bring the painting to life.

color palette

primary · ultramarine blue · burnt umber · yellow ochre · titanium white

secondary · raw sienna · payne's gray · cadmium yellow light

Mix ultramarine blue and burnt umber to create the dark tones in the clouds and shadows. Use yellow ochre and titanium white to create the warm tones in the landscape and sheep's wool. Payne's gray can be added to darken the clouds.

techniques