
plate no. 2867
David Bates, 1887
Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in atmospheric perspective and creating depth through layering. Students will also learn to simplify complex forms like trees and foliage into expressive brushstrokes.
technical profile
approach — 8 steps
Sketch the basic composition, focusing on the placement of the trees, path, and horizon line.
Establish the sky with a light blue wash, blending the clouds with soft edges.
Block in the main areas of color for the trees, grass, and path, using a limited palette.
Add details to the trees, using darker values to create depth and texture.
Paint the sheep in the field, simplifying their forms and focusing on their placement.
Add the figure on the path, paying attention to its scale and proportion.
Refine the details of the path, adding highlights and shadows to create a sense of depth.
Add final touches, such as highlights on the grass and subtle variations in the sky.
color palette
primary · raw umber · titanium white · cerulean blue
secondary · yellow ochre · burnt sienna · cadmium red light
Mix various shades of green by combining yellow ochre and raw umber with small amounts of blue. Use white to lighten the colors and create atmospheric perspective.
techniques
common pitfalls
surface · stretched canvas
required
optional
Use a medium-grain canvas for best results. Consider using a limited palette to simplify the color mixing process.
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