plate no. 0355
Boston Mall
some experience helpful
Recreating this painting will help students understand atmospheric perspective and how to create depth using value changes. It's also a good exercise in rendering complex forms like trees with simplified brushstrokes.
technical profile
palette complexity
2
brushwork visibility
3
value contrast
4
compositional simplicity
3
study guide
est. 8 hrsapproach — 8 steps
- step 01
Start with a light sketch to establish the basic composition and perspective lines.
- step 02
Block in the main shapes of the trees, path, and fence with diluted washes of gray.
- step 03
Establish the darkest values in the foreground trees and path.
- step 04
Gradually build up the values in the trees, using dry brush strokes to create texture.
- step 05
Pay attention to the atmospheric perspective, making the trees in the distance lighter and less detailed.
- step 06
Add details to the fence and any architectural elements.
- step 07
Refine the values and add highlights to create a sense of light and shadow.
- step 08
Add final details and adjust values as needed.
color palette
primary · ivory black · titanium white
secondary · payne's gray
Use varying ratios of black and white to create a full range of grays. Add a touch of Payne's Gray for cooler tones in the shadows.
techniques
- ·value studies
- ·dry brushing
- ·atmospheric perspective
- ·layering
- ·scumbling
common pitfalls
- →Making the distant trees too dark or detailed.
- →Overworking the details in the foreground.
- →Ignoring the perspective lines of the path and fence.
- →Not establishing a clear value structure early on.
materials
surface · stretched canvas
required
- ·stretched canvas
- ·ivory black oil paint
- ·titanium white oil paint
- ·round brushes (various sizes)
- ·palette
- ·linseed oil
- ·mineral spirits
- ·palette knife
optional
- ·payne's gray oil paint
- ·medium gloss
Use a medium-grain canvas for best results. Consider toning the canvas with a light gray wash before starting.
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