plate no. 2447
DUKE OF HEREFORDS KNOB & BAPTIST CHAPEL AT CAPEL-Y-FFIN
Eric Ravilious, 1938
suitable for beginners
This painting is great for practicing simplified shapes and color blocking. Students can learn to create depth through subtle value changes and atmospheric perspective.
technical profile
palette complexity
3
brushwork visibility
3
value contrast
3
compositional simplicity
3
study guide
est. 8 hrsapproach — 8 steps
- step 01
Sketch the basic shapes: the church, the hill, and the foreground.
- step 02
Block in the main colors for the sky, hill, church, and foreground.
- step 03
Add details to the church, including the windows, roof, and gravestones.
- step 04
Paint the cows and the fence in the field.
- step 05
Add the trees and bushes, simplifying their forms.
- step 06
Refine the details in the foreground, adding texture and shadows.
- step 07
Adjust the values and colors to create depth and atmosphere.
- step 08
Add the smoke coming from the chimney.
color palette
primary · yellow ochre · gray · sky blue
secondary · burnt umber · white · sap green
Mix various shades of gray by combining black and white. Use yellow ochre and burnt umber to create the earthy tones of the landscape.
techniques
- ·color blocking
- ·atmospheric perspective
- ·simplified shapes
- ·dry brushing
- ·scumbling
common pitfalls
- →Overcomplicating the details
- →Using too many colors
- →Ignoring the value relationships
- →Not simplifying shapes enough
materials
surface · stretched canvas
required
- ·acrylic paints
- ·canvas or watercolor paper
- ·round brushes
- ·flat brushes
- ·palette
- ·water container
optional
- ·palette knife
- ·retarder medium
- ·easel
Use a limited palette to simplify the color mixing process. Consider using acrylics for their fast drying time and opacity.
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