plate no. 3171
Evening, when the quiet east flushes faintly at the sun's lasts look
Tom Roberts, 1888
some experience helpful
This painting provides practice in creating atmospheric perspective and using a limited palette to achieve color harmony. Students will learn to simplify complex scenes into basic shapes and values.
technical profile
palette complexity
3
brushwork visibility
4
value contrast
3
compositional simplicity
3
study guide
est. 8 hrsapproach — 8 steps
- step 01
Sketch the basic composition, dividing the canvas into sky, middle ground, and foreground.
- step 02
Block in the sky with a thin wash of pink and yellow, blending the colors softly.
- step 03
Establish the horizon line and the distant hills with muted blues and purples.
- step 04
Paint the fields and trees in the middle ground using warm yellows, browns, and greens, varying the values to create depth.
- step 05
Add details to the buildings and trees in the middle ground.
- step 06
Develop the foreground with darker greens and browns, adding texture with visible brushstrokes.
- step 07
Paint the tree in the foreground, paying attention to its delicate branches.
- step 08
Add final highlights and shadows to enhance the form and create a sense of light.
color palette
primary · yellow ochre · burnt sienna · titanium white
secondary · ultramarine blue · alizarin crimson
Mix pinks for the sky by blending white with alizarin crimson and a touch of yellow ochre. Create muted greens by mixing yellow ochre, ultramarine blue, and burnt sienna.
techniques
- ·dry brush texture
- ·atmospheric perspective
- ·color blending
- ·scumbling
- ·layering
common pitfalls
- →Overworking the details in the middle ground.
- →Creating too much contrast in the foreground.
- →Using colors that are too saturated.
- →Failing to establish a clear sense of depth.
materials
surface · stretched canvas
required
- ·stretched canvas
- ·acrylic or oil paints
- ·round brushes
- ·flat brushes
- ·palette
- ·palette knife
- ·linseed oil (if using oil paints)
- ·odorless mineral spirits (if using oil paints)
optional
- ·painting medium
- ·easel
- ·varnish
Use a medium-grain canvas to allow for texture. Acrylics are faster drying and easier to clean, while oils allow for more blending time.
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