plate no. 8707
From the Upper Terrace
John Henry Twachtman, 1897
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.
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