plate no. 8574

Before the Storm, Tintagel, Cornwall

Algernon Talmage, 1922

oilImpressionismlandscapelandscapecloudshillsskyfigurespath

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in atmospheric perspective and loose, expressive brushwork to capture the mood of a landscape. It also provides practice in simplifying complex forms into basic shapes.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 8 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Lightly sketch the horizon line and major landforms.
step 02
Block in the sky with broad strokes of light blue and gray.
step 03
Establish the basic shapes of the clouds, paying attention to their varying tones.
step 04
Define the distant hills with muted greens and browns.
step 05
Paint the foreground hills, adding details like rocks and vegetation with visible brushstrokes.
step 06
Add the path, using darker values to create depth.
step 07
Include the small figures, simplifying their forms.
step 08
Refine the details and adjust values to create a sense of atmosphere.

color palette

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

secondary · sap green · raw sienna

Mix various shades of gray for the clouds by combining white, blue, and umber. Use yellow ochre and burnt umber to create earthy tones for the landscape. Add small amounts of blue to dull the greens.

techniques