plate no. 3350

Before a Thunderstorm

oil, canvasRealismlandscapeskycloudstreesgrasslandscapepath

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in atmospheric perspective, color mixing for natural light, and creating texture with brushstrokes. It also provides practice in composing a landscape with a sense of depth.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 10 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Sketch the basic composition, paying attention to the horizon line and the placement of major elements like the hill and trees.
step 02
Block in the sky with broad strokes, establishing the dark and light areas of the clouds.
step 03
Establish the base colors for the landscape, focusing on the overall green tones and the path.
step 04
Begin layering the trees, using darker greens and browns to create depth and texture.
step 05
Add highlights to the grass and trees to simulate sunlight.
step 06
Paint the rocks, paying attention to the shadows and highlights.
step 07
Refine the details of the path, adding texture and variations in color.
step 08
Add final touches, such as the birds in the sky and subtle details in the foreground.

color palette

primary · Prussian Blue · Titanium White · Yellow Ochre · Sap Green

secondary · Burnt Sienna · Raw Umber · Cadmium Yellow Light

Mix various shades of green by combining Prussian Blue, Yellow Ochre, and Titanium White. Use Burnt Sienna and Raw Umber to create earth tones for the path and shadows. Add small amounts of Cadmium Yellow Light to brighten highlights.

techniques