plate no. 8707
From the Upper Terrace
John Henry Twachtman, 1897
some experience helpful
Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in impressionistic brushwork and color mixing to create atmospheric perspective. Students will also learn to simplify complex scenes into basic shapes and values.
technical profile
palette complexity
4
brushwork visibility
5
value contrast
3
compositional simplicity
3
study guide
est. 8 hrsapproach — 8 steps
- step 01
Lightly sketch the basic shapes of the buildings, path, and major landscape elements.
- step 02
Establish the overall color scheme by applying thin washes of color to the canvas.
- step 03
Begin building up layers of paint with short, broken brushstrokes, focusing on capturing the light and shadow.
- step 04
Mix greens and yellows to represent the foliage and fields, varying the hues and values to create depth.
- step 05
Use cooler blues and purples in the distance to create atmospheric perspective.
- step 06
Add details to the buildings, such as windows and rooflines, using small, precise brushstrokes.
- step 07
Refine the path and foreground elements, adding texture and detail with dry brush techniques.
- step 08
Step back and assess the overall composition, making any necessary adjustments to the colors, values, and brushstrokes.
color palette
primary · yellow ochre · sap green · ultramarine blue · titanium white
secondary · burnt sienna · cadmium yellow · violet · raw umber
Mix greens by combining yellow ochre, sap green, and ultramarine blue. Create atmospheric perspective by adding white and blue to distant colors.
techniques
- ·broken brushstrokes
- ·wet-on-wet blending
- ·dry brush texture
- ·color mixing
- ·atmospheric perspective
common pitfalls
- →Overworking the painting and losing the freshness of the brushstrokes.
- →Using too much detail and not simplifying the scene.
- →Failing to create a sense of depth and atmosphere.
- →Getting the values wrong, which can flatten the image.
materials
surface · stretched canvas
required
- ·stretched canvas
- ·oil paints
- ·assorted brushes (round and flat)
- ·palette
- ·linseed oil
- ·turpentine or odorless mineral spirits
- ·palette knife
optional
- ·painting medium (e.g., Liquin)
- ·easel
- ·rags
Use high-quality oil paints for best results. A medium-sized canvas (16x20 or 18x24) is recommended.
tips & new artworks in your inbox
no spam — unsubscribe anytime.
or to save artworks, chat, and track progress
related guides
in this vein
