plate no. 7578
Eagle Cliff, New Hampshire
Jasper Francis Cropsey, 1851
experienced study
Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in atmospheric perspective and rendering complex foliage with subtle color variations. Students will also learn to create depth and dimension through layering and glazing techniques.
technical profile
palette complexity
4
brushwork visibility
3
value contrast
4
compositional simplicity
3
study guide
est. 20 hrsapproach — 8 steps
- step 01
Sketch the basic composition, focusing on the placement of the mountain, cabin, and trees.
- step 02
Establish the sky with a gradient of colors, from light blue to pink and orange near the horizon.
- step 03
Block in the mountain mass with dark browns and greens, paying attention to the light and shadow.
- step 04
Add the foliage using a variety of brushstrokes and colors, creating depth and texture.
- step 05
Paint the cabin, focusing on the details of the logs and windows.
- step 06
Add the figure and other details in the foreground, such as rocks and fallen logs.
- step 07
Refine the details and add highlights to create a sense of realism.
- step 08
Glaze with thin layers of color to unify the painting and create atmospheric perspective.
color palette
primary · burnt umber · raw sienna · ultramarine blue · titanium white
secondary · cadmium yellow · alizarin crimson · viridian
Mix browns and greens by combining burnt umber, raw sienna, ultramarine blue, and small amounts of cadmium yellow. Achieve atmospheric perspective by adding white to colors to lighten and desaturate them.
techniques
- ·atmospheric perspective
- ·layering
- ·glazing
- ·dry brushing
- ·broken color
common pitfalls
- →Overworking the details and losing the overall sense of atmosphere.
- →Using too much detail in the background, which can flatten the image.
- →Failing to create a strong sense of depth and distance.
- →Not paying attention to the subtle color variations in the foliage.
materials
surface · stretched canvas
required
- ·stretched canvas 18x24
- ·oil paints
- ·palette
- ·palette knife
- ·linseed oil
- ·turpentine
- ·#2 round brush
- ·#6 filbert brush
optional
- ·retouch varnish
- ·easel
- ·painting medium
Use high-quality oil paints for best results. Consider using a medium to speed up drying time and improve blending.
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