plate no. 5095
Autumn in the Northland
some experience helpful
Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in color mixing to achieve vibrant autumn hues and layering techniques to create depth in the landscape. Students will also learn to simplify complex forms into basic shapes.
technical profile
palette complexity
4
brushwork visibility
4
value contrast
4
compositional simplicity
3
study guide
est. 12 hrsapproach — 8 steps
- step 01
Sketch the basic composition, focusing on the placement of the trees, hills, and figure.
- step 02
Block in the large areas of color, starting with the sky and distant hills.
- step 03
Establish the light and shadow patterns on the ground plane.
- step 04
Begin layering colors on the trees, using short, broken brushstrokes to suggest foliage.
- step 05
Refine the shapes and colors of the trees, adding details and variations.
- step 06
Add details to the figure, paying attention to the light and shadow.
- step 07
Adjust the overall color harmony and contrast.
- step 08
Add final details and highlights.
color palette
primary · yellow ochre · cadmium red · ultramarine blue · titanium white
secondary · burnt sienna · sap green · cadmium yellow light
Mix greens by combining blue and yellow, and oranges by combining red and yellow. Use white to lighten colors and create tints. Achieve muted tones by mixing complementary colors.
techniques
- ·broken color
- ·scumbling
- ·layering
- ·alla prima
- ·color mixing
common pitfalls
- →Overworking the details and losing the freshness of the brushstrokes.
- →Creating muddy colors by overmixing.
- →Failing to establish a strong value structure.
- →Ignoring the color temperature of light and shadow.
materials
surface · stretched canvas
required
- ·stretched canvas 12x16
- ·oil paints (yellow ochre, cadmium red, ultramarine blue, titanium white, burnt sienna, sap green, cadmium yellow light)
- ·assorted brushes (round and flat)
- ·palette
- ·palette knife
- ·linseed oil or painting medium
- ·odorless mineral spirits
- ·rags
optional
- ·easel
- ·medium gloss
- ·retouch varnish
Use a medium-tooth canvas to allow for texture. Consider using a limited palette to simplify color mixing.
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