plate no. 4773

Forest Vista

oilImpressionismlandscapetreesforestlandscapepathfoliagesky

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in layering colors to create depth and atmosphere, as well as simplifying complex forms into basic shapes and values. Students will also learn to create a sense of light and shadow within a landscape.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 8 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Sketch the basic composition, focusing on the placement of the trees and the path.
step 02
Establish the overall value structure with a thin wash of burnt umber or raw sienna.
step 03
Block in the sky with a light yellow, blending it softly.
step 04
Begin layering in the dark greens and browns of the trees, varying the hues slightly.
step 05
Add highlights to the foliage using lighter greens and yellows, capturing the effect of sunlight.
step 06
Define the tree trunks with darker browns and blacks, adding texture with dry brush strokes.
step 07
Paint the path with a mix of browns, greens, and yellows, suggesting the texture of the ground.
step 08
Refine the details and adjust the values to create a sense of depth and atmosphere.

color palette

primary · yellow ochre · burnt umber · sap green

secondary · titanium white · ultramarine blue · raw sienna

Mix greens by combining yellow ochre, sap green, and ultramarine blue. Use white to lighten colors and create highlights. Add small amounts of burnt umber to darken colors and create shadows.

techniques