plate no. 0018
Carrara
some experience helpful
Recreating this painting will help students understand atmospheric perspective and how to depict the movement of water. It also provides practice in creating a sense of depth through layering and value changes.
technical profile
palette complexity
3
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 mountain, building, trees, and waterfall.
- step 02
Establish the overall value structure with a thin wash of burnt umber or raw sienna.
- step 03
Block in the sky with a light, muted color, blending it into the mountain.
- step 04
Paint the distant mountain using light, cool tones to create atmospheric perspective.
- step 05
Add the darker values of the trees and rocks, paying attention to the shapes and forms.
- step 06
Paint the waterfall and stream, using white and light blues to capture the movement of the water.
- step 07
Add the figures, keeping them simple and small in scale.
- step 08
Refine the details and add highlights to create a sense of realism.
color palette
primary · titanium white · burnt umber · sap green
secondary · ultramarine blue · yellow ochre · raw sienna
Mix greens by combining sap green with yellow ochre and a touch of blue. Achieve atmospheric perspective by adding white and blue to distant colors.
techniques
- ·atmospheric perspective
- ·layering
- ·dry brushing
- ·blending
- ·scumbling
common pitfalls
- →Overworking the details too early in the process.
- →Failing to establish a strong value structure.
- →Making the colors too saturated, especially in the distance.
- →Not capturing the movement of the water.
materials
surface · stretched canvas
required
- ·stretched canvas 12x16
- ·titanium white oil paint
- ·burnt umber oil paint
- ·sap green oil paint
- ·ultramarine blue oil paint
- ·yellow ochre oil paint
- ·raw sienna oil paint
- ·round brushes #2, #4, #6
optional
- ·palette knife
- ·linseed oil
- ·odorless mineral spirits
Use a medium-grit canvas for better texture. Consider using a limited palette to simplify the color mixing process.
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