plate no. 0167

Dawn in the Hills

Robert Julian Onderdonk, 1922

oilImpressionismlandscapelandscapetreeshillsskyfieldvegetation

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in atmospheric perspective and broken color techniques to create depth and visual interest. Students will also practice layering colors and creating soft edges to achieve a hazy, impressionistic effect.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 10 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Sketch the basic composition, focusing on the horizon line and the placement of the trees and hills.
step 02
Establish the sky with broad, blended strokes of yellow, white, and blue, creating a soft, luminous effect.
step 03
Block in the distant hills with muted blues and purples, gradually lightening the values as they recede into the distance.
step 04
Paint the middle ground with a mix of greens, blues, and browns, using broken color techniques to create texture and depth.
step 05
Add the trees, paying attention to the shapes of the foliage and the play of light and shadow.
step 06
Develop the foreground with a variety of greens, browns, and yellows, adding details such as flowers and grasses.
step 07
Refine the details and adjust the values to create a sense of atmospheric perspective.
step 08
Add final highlights and shadows to enhance the overall effect.

color palette

primary · yellow ochre · ultramarine blue · titanium white

secondary · burnt umber · sap green · violet

Mix greens by combining ultramarine blue and yellow ochre. Create atmospheric perspective by adding white to colors as they recede into the distance. Use burnt umber to darken colors and create shadows.

techniques