plate no. 1580

Autumn forest

Mikhail Olennikov

oilRealismlandscapetreesforestlandscaperocksautumnsky

study guide

est. 8 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Sketch the basic shapes of the rocks, trees, and horizon line.
step 02
Block in the large areas of color for the sky, distant hills, and foreground.
step 03
Add darker values to the rocks to define their form and create shadows.
step 04
Layer different shades of orange, yellow, and brown to create the foliage.
step 05
Use short, broken brushstrokes to suggest the texture of the trees and rocks.
step 06
Add details such as small branches and highlights to the foreground.
step 07
Refine the edges of the shapes and blend colors where necessary.
step 08
Add final touches and highlights to create depth and interest.

color palette

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

secondary · cadmium orange · alizarin crimson · viridian green

Mix various shades of brown and grey by combining the primary colors. Use white to lighten the colors and create highlights. Mix orange and red for the autumn foliage.

techniques

·dry brush texture
·broken color
·layering
·scumbling
·alla prima

common pitfalls

→Overworking the painting and losing the freshness of the brushstrokes.
→Creating muddy colors by over-mixing.
→Failing to establish a clear value structure.
→Neglecting the importance of edges and transitions.

materials

surface · stretched canvas

required

·stretched canvas 12x16
·oil paints (burnt sienna, yellow ochre, ultramarine blue, titanium white, cadmium orange, alizarin crimson, viridian green)
·palette
·palette knife
·assorted brushes (round, flat, filbert)
·linseed oil
·odorless mineral spirits
·rags