plate no. 4444
Cabasson Landscape (study)
Henri-Edmond Cross, 1899
study guide
est. 8 hrsapproach — 8 steps
- step 01
Sketch the basic composition: horizon line, major tree masses, and the path.
- step 02
Block in the sky with light blues and grays, using broken brushstrokes.
- step 03
Establish the distant hills with muted blues and purples.
- step 04
Paint the large masses of trees using a mix of blues, greens, and browns, varying the color temperature.
- step 05
Lay in the field with yellows, greens, and browns, focusing on the horizontal strokes.
- step 06
Add the path using browns, purples, and grays, varying the direction of the strokes to suggest texture.
- step 07
Add highlights and shadows to the trees and grass to create depth.
- step 08
Refine details and adjust colors as needed, paying attention to the overall harmony.
color palette
primary · ultramarine blue · yellow ochre · titanium white
secondary · burnt sienna · cadmium yellow · alizarin crimson
Mix blues and yellows for greens, add white to lighten values, and use small amounts of red to create browns and purples. The key is to mix colors slightly imperfectly to achieve the broken color effect.
techniques
- ·broken color
- ·impasto
- ·scumbling
- ·wet-on-wet blending
- ·color layering
common pitfalls
- →Overmixing colors, resulting in flat, dull tones.
- →Focusing too much on detail early on.
- →Not varying the brushstrokes enough to create texture.
- →Ignoring the color temperature changes in the landscape.
materials
surface · stretched canvas
required
- ·stretched canvas (12x16 inches)
- ·oil paints
- ·palette
- ·palette knife
- ·assorted brushes (round and flat)
- ·linseed oil
- ·mineral spirits
- ·rags
optional
- ·painting medium (e.g., Liquin)
- ·easel
- ·varnish
Use a medium-tooth canvas to allow for better paint adhesion and texture.
tips & new artworks in your inbox
no spam — unsubscribe anytime.
or to save artworks, chat, and track progress
related guides
in this vein
