plate no. 2030

Connecticut landscape

oilImpressionismlandscapetreeslandscapebuildingshillsfoliagesky

some experience helpful

This painting is great for practicing broken color and impressionistic brushwork to create a sense of light and atmosphere. Students will develop skills in color mixing and layering to achieve the subtle color variations.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 12 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Sketch the basic composition, focusing on the placement of the trees, buildings, and horizon line.
step 02
Block in the large areas of color, starting with the sky and distant hills.
step 03
Establish the base colors for the ground, using a mix of yellows, oranges, and reds.
step 04
Begin layering in the foliage of the trees, using short, broken brushstrokes of various greens, yellows, and blues.
step 05
Add details to the buildings, paying attention to the light and shadow.
step 06
Refine the tree trunks and branches, using darker colors to define their forms.
step 07
Add highlights to the foliage and ground to create a sense of light and depth.
step 08
Review and adjust the overall color balance and composition.

color palette

primary · yellow ochre · sap green · ultramarine blue · burnt sienna

secondary · cadmium yellow · alizarin crimson · viridian

Achieve the greens by mixing yellows and blues, and vary the intensity with touches of red. Use white to lighten colors and create highlights. Mix browns and grays by combining complementary colors.

techniques