plate no. 7977
En Un Llac
some experience helpful
Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in creating atmospheric perspective and capturing soft, diffused light. It also provides practice in rendering figures and animals in a landscape setting.
technical profile
palette complexity
4
brushwork visibility
4
value contrast
3
compositional simplicity
3
study guide
est. 12 hrsapproach — 8 steps
- step 01
Sketch the basic composition, focusing on the placement of the figure, goat, lake, and trees.
- step 02
Establish the background with thin washes of color, creating the atmospheric perspective.
- step 03
Block in the main shapes of the trees and foliage, using a variety of greens and browns.
- step 04
Paint the lake, capturing the reflections and the subtle variations in color.
- step 05
Add the figure and goat, paying attention to their proportions and poses.
- step 06
Refine the details of the foliage, adding highlights and shadows.
- step 07
Add the small white flowers in the grass.
- step 08
Adjust the overall values and colors to create a harmonious and unified painting.
color palette
primary · yellow ochre · ultramarine blue · burnt umber · titanium white
secondary · sap green · raw sienna · alizarin crimson
Achieve the muted greens by mixing yellow ochre, ultramarine blue, and a touch of burnt umber. Create the atmospheric haze by diluting colors with a medium and applying them in thin layers.
techniques
- ·atmospheric perspective
- ·scumbling
- ·dry brushing
- ·color blending
- ·layering
common pitfalls
- →Overworking the details and losing the soft, dreamy quality.
- →Creating too much contrast and making the painting look harsh.
- →Failing to establish a clear focal point.
- →Not paying attention to the proportions of the figure and goat.
materials
surface · stretched canvas
required
- ·stretched canvas
- ·oil paints
- ·palette
- ·palette knife
- ·assorted brushes
- ·linseed oil
- ·turpentine
- ·rags
optional
- ·painting medium
- ·easel
- ·varnish
Use a medium-tooth canvas to allow for texture. Consider using a glazing medium to enhance the luminosity of the colors.
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