plate no. 0163

Cliffs on the Guadalupe

oilImpressionismlandscapecliffsrivertreeslandscapeskyhills

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in atmospheric perspective and broken color techniques to create a sense of depth and light. Students will also learn to simplify complex landscapes into basic shapes and values.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 12 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Lightly sketch the basic shapes of the landscape: sky, hills, cliffs, and river.
step 02
Establish the horizon line and the main compositional elements.
step 03
Block in the large areas of color using thin washes, starting with the sky and distant hills.
step 04
Gradually build up the colors in the foreground, adding more detail and texture.
step 05
Use broken color techniques to create the impression of light and shadow on the cliffs and trees.
step 06
Pay attention to the values and color temperatures to create a sense of depth.
step 07
Add highlights and details to the river to create a sense of movement.
step 08
Refine the edges and details to complete the painting.

color palette

primary · ultramarine blue · yellow ochre · burnt sienna · titanium white

secondary · viridian green · alizarin crimson

Mix greens by combining yellow ochre and ultramarine blue or viridian green. Create variations in earth tones by mixing burnt sienna, yellow ochre, and ultramarine blue. Use white to lighten values and create highlights.

techniques