plate no. 0718

Forest cemetery

oilRealismlandscapeforesttreesmosslandscapegroundfoliage

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in layering colors to create depth and texture, as well as understanding atmospheric perspective to depict distance.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 15 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Sketch the basic composition, focusing on the placement of the trees and the horizon line.
step 02
Establish the overall value structure with a thin wash of burnt umber or a similar earth tone.
step 03
Begin layering in the darker greens and browns for the shadows in the moss and undergrowth.
step 04
Add the lighter greens and yellows to highlight the areas of moss that are catching the sunlight.
step 05
Paint the tree trunks, paying attention to the variations in color and texture.
step 06
Add the details of the branches and foliage, using a smaller brush.
step 07
Refine the details and adjust the values to create a sense of depth and realism.
step 08
Add final highlights and shadows to enhance the overall effect.

color palette

primary · sap green · burnt umber · yellow ochre

secondary · titanium white · ultramarine blue · cadmium yellow

Mix greens by combining yellow ochre and ultramarine blue with varying amounts of white. Use burnt umber to create shadows and add depth to the greens.

techniques