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home·artworks·Colwell, near Malvern, Worcestershire
Colwell, near Malvern, Worcestershire by David Bates

plate no. 2867

Colwell, near Malvern, Worcestershire

David Bates, 1887

oilRealismlandscapetreeslandscapesheeppathskyfigure
some experience helpful

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

palette complexity
3
brushwork visibility
4
value contrast
3
compositional simplicity
3

study guide

est. 8 hrs

approach — 8 steps

  1. step 01

    Sketch the basic composition, focusing on the placement of the trees, path, and horizon line.

  2. step 02

    Establish the sky with a light blue wash, blending the clouds with soft edges.

  3. step 03

    Block in the main areas of color for the trees, grass, and path, using a limited palette.

  4. step 04

    Add details to the trees, using darker values to create depth and texture.

  5. step 05

    Paint the sheep in the field, simplifying their forms and focusing on their placement.

  6. step 06

    Add the figure on the path, paying attention to its scale and proportion.

  7. step 07

    Refine the details of the path, adding highlights and shadows to create a sense of depth.

  8. step 08

    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

  • ·scumbling
  • ·dry brushing
  • ·atmospheric perspective
  • ·layering
  • ·broken color

common pitfalls

  • →Overworking the details, losing the overall impressionistic feel.
  • →Creating too much contrast, making the painting appear harsh.
  • →Failing to establish a clear focal point.
  • →Not simplifying the forms of the sheep and trees.

materials

surface · stretched canvas

required

  • ·stretched canvas
  • ·oil paints
  • ·round brushes
  • ·flat brushes
  • ·palette
  • ·linseed oil
  • ·turpentine
  • ·palette knife

optional

  • ·painting medium
  • ·easel
  • ·rags

Use a medium-grain canvas for best results. Consider using a limited palette to simplify the color mixing process.

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related guides

oil painting for beginners →how to learn by studying the masters →
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