plate no. 2194
Clearing Back
some experience helpful
Recreating this painting will help students practice layering colors to create depth and using loose brushstrokes to suggest form rather than define it precisely. It's also a good exercise in creating atmospheric perspective.
technical profile
palette complexity
4
brushwork visibility
4
value contrast
3
compositional simplicity
3
study guide
est. 8 hrsapproach — 8 steps
- step 01
Sketch the basic composition, focusing on the placement of the trees and the path.
- step 02
Establish the overall color scheme with a thin wash of diluted paint.
- step 03
Begin layering in the darker values of the tree trunks and foliage.
- step 04
Add highlights to the leaves and ground using lighter shades of yellow and green.
- step 05
Define the path with varying shades of yellow, green, and brown, suggesting texture.
- step 06
Paint the distant figure with minimal detail, focusing on its overall shape and value.
- step 07
Refine the details of the trees, adding branches and subtle color variations.
- step 08
Add final touches and highlights to enhance the sense of light and atmosphere.
color palette
primary · yellow ochre · burnt umber · sap green
secondary · titanium white · ultramarine blue
Mix greens by combining yellow ochre and ultramarine blue. Achieve lighter values by adding titanium white. Use burnt umber to darken colors and create shadows.
techniques
- ·broken color
- ·scumbling
- ·atmospheric perspective
- ·layering
- ·alla prima
common pitfalls
- →Overworking the details and losing the loose, impressionistic feel.
- →Creating overly harsh contrasts between light and dark areas.
- →Failing to establish a clear sense of depth and perspective.
- →Using colors straight from the tube without mixing them properly.
materials
surface · stretched canvas
required
- ·stretched canvas
- ·acrylic or oil paints
- ·yellow ochre paint
- ·burnt umber paint
- ·sap green paint
- ·titanium white paint
- ·ultramarine blue paint
- ·assorted brushes (round and flat)
optional
- ·palette knife
- ·painting medium
- ·easel
Use a medium that allows for quick drying and easy blending. Consider using a toned canvas to establish a base color.
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