plate no. 8877

Evening after the Storm

Homer Watson, 1887

oilRealismlandscapetreeslandscapewatercloudsfoliagesheep

study guide

est. 12 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Sketch the basic composition, focusing on the placement of the trees, water, and horizon line.
step 02
Establish the sky with broad strokes, blending the cloud formations.
step 03
Block in the main shapes of the trees and foliage with dark greens and browns.
step 04
Begin layering lighter greens and yellows on the foliage to create highlights and texture.
step 05
Paint the water, using white and light blues to indicate the movement and reflections.
step 06
Add details to the rocks and foreground elements, paying attention to their texture and form.
step 07
Refine the details of the sheep and the shelter.
step 08
Add final highlights and shadows to enhance the depth and realism of the painting.

color palette

primary · viridian green · raw umber · titanium white

secondary · yellow ochre · cerulean blue · burnt sienna

Mix greens by combining viridian green with yellow ochre or raw umber. Achieve the cloudy sky by blending titanium white with small amounts of cerulean blue and raw umber.

techniques

·layering
·blending
·dry brushing
·scumbling
·atmospheric perspective

common pitfalls

→Overworking the details in the foliage, resulting in a flat or unrealistic appearance.
→Failing to create a sense of depth through proper value and color variations.
→Making the water appear static or unnatural.
→Ignoring the subtle color shifts in the sky and clouds.