plate no. 8394
Frood Lake
Franklin Carmichael, 1939
some experience helpful
This painting helps students practice simplifying complex landscapes into basic shapes and using a limited color palette to create a cohesive scene. It also provides experience in creating depth through atmospheric perspective and layering.
technical profile
palette complexity
3
brushwork visibility
3
value contrast
3
compositional simplicity
3
study guide
est. 8 hrsapproach — 8 steps
- step 01
Sketch the basic shapes of the hills, lake, and foreground elements.
- step 02
Block in the sky and water with light, muted colors.
- step 03
Establish the main color masses for the hills and foreground, focusing on value differences.
- step 04
Add details to the trees, rocks, and foliage, using slightly darker and more saturated colors.
- step 05
Refine the edges of shapes to create a sense of depth and form.
- step 06
Add highlights and shadows to enhance the three-dimensionality of the scene.
- step 07
Pay attention to the atmospheric perspective, making distant elements lighter and less detailed.
- step 08
Add final details and adjust values as needed to achieve a balanced composition.
color palette
primary · olive green · grey-blue · tan · white
secondary · dark green · brown · light blue
Mix greens by combining blues and yellows with a touch of brown or black to mute the colors. Achieve the atmospheric perspective by adding white to the base colors for distant elements.
techniques
- ·layering
- ·color mixing
- ·atmospheric perspective
- ·simplification
- ·blocking in
common pitfalls
- →Overcomplicating the details in the foreground.
- →Failing to create a sense of depth through atmospheric perspective.
- →Using colors that are too saturated or bright.
- →Not simplifying the shapes of the hills and trees.
materials
surface · stretched canvas
required
- ·Stretched canvas (12x16 or similar)
- ·Acrylic or oil paints
- ·Round brushes (various sizes)
- ·Flat brushes (various sizes)
- ·Palette
- ·Palette knife
- ·Odorless mineral spirits or water (depending on paint type)
- ·Linseed oil (if using oil paints)
optional
- ·easel
- ·painting medium
- ·varnish
Use a canvas with a smooth texture to facilitate blending. Consider using a limited palette of colors to simplify the mixing process.
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