plate no. 4081
Dark Autumn, Rocky Mountains
J. E. H. MacDonald, 1930
some experience helpful
Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in simplifying complex landscapes into geometric forms and understanding how to use color temperature to create depth and atmosphere.
technical profile
palette complexity
3
brushwork visibility
4
value contrast
4
compositional simplicity
3
study guide
est. 8 hrsapproach — 8 steps
- step 01
Lightly sketch the basic shapes of the mountains and clouds, focusing on the overall composition.
- step 02
Block in the large areas of color, starting with the darkest values in the foreground and working towards the lighter values in the sky.
- step 03
Mix a range of grays and purples to create the shadows on the mountains, paying attention to the subtle shifts in color temperature.
- step 04
Add the details of the trees and rocks in the foreground, using short, broken brushstrokes to create texture.
- step 05
Refine the shapes of the clouds, using soft blending to create a sense of atmosphere.
- step 06
Add highlights to the snow-capped peaks and the edges of the clouds to create contrast.
- step 07
Evaluate the painting and make any necessary adjustments to the composition, color, or value.
- step 08
Add final details and highlights.
color palette
primary · ultramarine blue · burnt umber · titanium white · yellow ochre
secondary · cadmium red · viridian green · dioxazine purple
Mix various shades of gray by combining ultramarine blue, burnt umber, and titanium white. Use yellow ochre and cadmium red to create warm earth tones. Mix viridian green with burnt umber for darker greens.
techniques
- ·blocking in
- ·color mixing
- ·dry brush
- ·scumbling
- ·atmospheric perspective
common pitfalls
- →Overworking the details and losing the overall sense of form.
- →Using colors straight from the tube without mixing them.
- →Failing to create a sense of depth by not paying attention to value and color temperature.
- →Not simplifying the landscape into basic shapes.
materials
surface · stretched canvas
required
- ·stretched canvas 12x16
- ·oil paints
- ·palette
- ·palette knife
- ·#4 round brush
- ·#6 flat brush
- ·linseed oil
- ·odorless mineral spirits
optional
- ·easel
- ·painting medium
- ·varnish
Use a medium-tooth canvas for best results. Consider using a limited palette to simplify the color mixing process.
tips & new artworks in your inbox
no spam — unsubscribe anytime.
or to save artworks, chat, and track progress
in this vein
