plate no. 3701

Fire Swept Algoma

Frank Johnston, 1920

oilArt Nouveau (Modern)landscapetreeslandscapemountainsforestburnt treessky

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in layering colors to create depth and texture, and in depicting complex organic forms like branches and trees. It also encourages observation of subtle color variations in nature.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 12 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Sketch the basic composition, focusing on the placement of the major tree trunks and the horizon line.
step 02
Block in the sky and distant mountains with diluted washes of blue and green.
step 03
Establish the general color tones of the background forest, using a mix of greens, blues, and browns.
step 04
Begin layering in the burnt trees, starting with the darkest values and gradually adding highlights.
step 05
Add details to the foreground, focusing on the intricate network of branches and debris.
step 06
Refine the color palette by adding subtle variations and adjusting the overall tonal balance.
step 07
Add final details and highlights to create depth and visual interest.
step 08
Step back and assess the painting, making any necessary adjustments to the composition or color palette.

color palette

primary · ultramarine blue · burnt umber · yellow ochre · titanium white

secondary · sap green · raw sienna

Achieve the muted greens by mixing yellow ochre and ultramarine blue. Create the dark browns by mixing burnt umber and ultramarine blue. Use titanium white to lighten and create highlights.

techniques

·dry brushing
·scumbling
·layering
·color mixing
·atmospheric perspective

common pitfalls

→Overworking the details in the foreground, which can flatten the composition.
→Failing to create a sense of depth by not varying the color and value of the background.
→Using colors that are too saturated, which can detract from the overall mood.
→Ignoring the subtle color variations in the burnt trees, which can make them appear flat.