plate no. 7651
Autumn at Thingvellir
Asgrimur Jonsson, 1949
some experience helpful
Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in layering washes and creating texture with brushstrokes. It also encourages observation of color variations in nature.
technical profile
palette complexity
3
brushwork visibility
4
value contrast
3
compositional simplicity
3
study guide
est. 8 hrsapproach — 8 steps
- step 01
Lightly sketch the basic shapes of the mountains, coastline, and foreground vegetation.
- step 02
Apply a light wash of diluted blue and grey for the sky and distant mountains, allowing colors to blend.
- step 03
Add a light wash of blue for the sea.
- step 04
Begin layering washes of green, yellow, and red for the foreground vegetation, building up depth and texture.
- step 05
Use a smaller brush to add details to the trees and bushes.
- step 06
Introduce darker values to create shadows and define forms.
- step 07
Add final highlights with lighter colors to enhance the sense of light and atmosphere.
- step 08
Refine details and adjust colors as needed to achieve the desired effect.
color palette
primary · cerulean blue · yellow ochre · alizarin crimson
secondary · sap green · burnt sienna
Mix blues and greys for the sky and distant mountains. Combine yellows, reds, and greens to create the various shades of vegetation. Use plenty of water to achieve soft, blended washes.
techniques
- ·wet-on-wet blending
- ·dry brush texture
- ·layering washes
- ·color mixing
- ·atmospheric perspective
common pitfalls
- →Overworking the painting and losing the freshness of the washes.
- →Using too much paint and creating muddy colors.
- →Failing to establish a clear sense of depth.
- →Not varying brushstrokes to create texture.
materials
surface · watercolor paper 140lb
required
- ·watercolor paper 140lb
- ·watercolor paints
- ·#6 round brush
- ·#2 round brush
- ·water container
- ·palette
- ·masking tape
optional
- ·palette knife
- ·spray bottle
- ·kneaded eraser
Use high-quality watercolor paper to prevent buckling. Experiment with different brush sizes to achieve varying levels of detail.
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