plate no. 4434

Cows in a New Hampshire Landscape

oilRomanticismlandscapetreeswatercowslandscapeskygrass

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in layering colors to create depth and atmosphere, as well as practicing the depiction of reflections in water. Students will also learn to simplify complex forms like trees into manageable shapes and values.

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, water, and horizon line.
step 02
Block in the sky with a light blue, blending it smoothly.
step 03
Establish the dark values of the trees and foreground using a dark brown or green.
step 04
Add the mid-tones to the landscape, creating a sense of depth.
step 05
Paint the water, capturing the reflections of the trees and sky.
step 06
Add the cows, paying attention to their form and color.
step 07
Refine the details of the trees, adding highlights and shadows.
step 08
Add final details and highlights to the entire painting.

color palette

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

secondary · cadmium yellow · alizarin crimson · sap green

Mix greens by combining yellow ochre and ultramarine blue. Create variations in the landscape by adding small amounts of alizarin crimson or burnt umber to the green mixture. Achieve the sky color by mixing ultramarine blue with titanium white, and add a touch of yellow ochre for warmth.

techniques