plate no. 8346

Forest Interior

oilRomanticismlandscapeforesttreesstreamrocksfoliagelandscape

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in layering colors to create depth and atmospheric perspective, as well as capturing the texture of trees and rocks using varied brushstrokes.

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, stream, and horizon line.
step 02
Establish the overall value structure with a thin wash of burnt umber or a similar earth tone.
step 03
Block in the major color areas, starting with the darkest shadows and working towards the highlights.
step 04
Begin layering colors to create depth and variation in the foliage and rocks.
step 05
Pay close attention to the light source and how it affects the colors and values in the scene.
step 06
Add details to the trees, such as branches and bark texture, using a variety of brushstrokes.
step 07
Refine the reflections in the stream, using subtle variations in color and value.
step 08
Add final highlights and details to complete the painting.

color palette

primary · burnt umber · sap green · yellow ochre · titanium white

secondary · ultramarine blue · cadmium yellow · alizarin crimson

Mix greens by blending sap green with yellow ochre and ultramarine blue; create browns by mixing burnt umber with ultramarine blue and alizarin crimson. Use white to lighten values and create highlights.

techniques

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

common pitfalls

→Overworking the details too early in the process.
→Creating muddy colors by overmixing.
→Failing to establish a strong value structure.
→Ignoring the effects of light and shadow.

materials

surface · stretched canvas

required

·stretched canvas (16x20 inches)
·oil paints (burnt umber, sap green, yellow ochre, titanium white, ultramarine blue, cadmium yellow, alizarin crimson)
·palette
·assorted brushes (round, flat, filbert)
·linseed oil or other painting medium
·palette knife
·odorless mineral spirits or turpentine
·rags