plate no. 3776
Autumn View, West Hurley, NY
Ronnie Landfield, 1984
some experience helpful
Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in layering colors with visible brushstrokes and simplifying complex forms into abstract shapes. It's a good exercise in capturing the essence of a scene rather than precise details.
technical profile
palette complexity
4
brushwork visibility
5
value contrast
3
compositional simplicity
3
study guide
est. 8 hrsapproach — 8 steps
- step 01
Sketch the basic shapes of the trees and the horizon line.
- step 02
Block in the large areas of color for the sky, ground, and tree trunks using simplified shapes.
- step 03
Begin layering colors for the foliage, using short, distinct brushstrokes.
- step 04
Focus on capturing the overall color harmony and light effects rather than individual leaves.
- step 05
Add darker tones to the tree trunks and branches to create depth.
- step 06
Refine the shapes and colors of the foliage, adding highlights and shadows.
- step 07
Adjust the overall composition and color balance as needed.
- step 08
Add final details and highlights to complete the painting.
color palette
primary · red · yellow · blue · black
secondary · green · orange · purple
Mix various shades of green by combining yellow and blue. Create orange by mixing red and yellow. Use black sparingly to darken colors and create shadows.
techniques
- ·impasto
- ·broken color
- ·scumbling
- ·layering
- ·alla prima
common pitfalls
- →Overworking the painting and losing the freshness of the brushstrokes.
- →Getting bogged down in details instead of focusing on the overall impression.
- →Creating muddy colors by over-mixing on the palette.
- →Not varying the brushstrokes enough to create texture and interest.
materials
surface · stretched canvas
required
- ·stretched canvas
- ·acrylic or oil paints
- ·round brushes
- ·flat brushes
- ·palette
- ·palette knife
- ·linseed oil (if using oil paints)
- ·mineral spirits or turpentine (for cleaning brushes)
optional
- ·easel
- ·painting medium
- ·varnish
Use a medium-grit canvas to enhance the texture of the brushstrokes. Consider using a palette knife for applying thick layers of paint.
tips & new artworks in your inbox
no spam — unsubscribe anytime.
or to save artworks, chat, and track progress
related guides
