plate no. 0583
Bjerk i storm
Johan Christian Dahl, 1848
some experience helpful
Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in layering colors to create depth and atmosphere, as well as rendering complex organic forms like trees and foliage. It also provides practice in creating a sense of drama and mood through lighting and composition.
technical profile
palette complexity
4
brushwork visibility
3
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 tree and the horizon line.
- step 02
Establish the dark background values with thin washes of dark colors.
- step 03
Block in the main shapes of the tree foliage with mid-tone greens and browns.
- step 04
Begin layering lighter greens and yellows to suggest highlights on the leaves.
- step 05
Add details to the tree trunk, paying attention to the texture and form.
- step 06
Refine the background landscape, creating depth with atmospheric perspective.
- step 07
Add final highlights and shadows to enhance the sense of light and drama.
- step 08
Glaze with thin washes of color to unify the painting and adjust values.
color palette
primary · Prussian Blue · Burnt Umber · Yellow Ochre · Titanium White
secondary · Sap Green · Cadmium Yellow · Alizarin Crimson
Mix greens by combining Prussian Blue and Yellow Ochre. Use Burnt Umber and Prussian Blue for dark shadows. Add Titanium White to lighten values and create highlights.
techniques
- ·Layering
- ·Blending
- ·Glazing
- ·Dry brushing
- ·Atmospheric perspective
common pitfalls
- →Overworking the details in the foliage, resulting in a flat appearance.
- →Failing to establish a strong value structure, leading to a lack of depth.
- →Using too much paint, which can make the painting look muddy.
- →Ignoring the subtle color variations in the foliage and background.
materials
surface · Stretched canvas
required
- ·Stretched canvas 18x24
- ·Oil paints
- ·Palette
- ·Palette knife
- ·Assorted brushes (round, flat, filbert)
- ·Linseed oil
- ·Odorless mineral spirits
- ·Rags
optional
- ·Medium gloss
- ·Retouch varnish
- ·Easel
Use high-quality oil paints for best results. A medium-tooth canvas will provide a good surface for layering.
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