plate no. 5362

Gathering Storm

oilRomanticismlandscapelandscapecowstreesskycloudsfield

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in atmospheric perspective and rendering realistic light and shadow on foliage and figures. The painting also provides practice in creating depth through layering and color variation.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 15 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Begin with a light sketch outlining the major shapes: the horizon line, the placement of the trees, and the general positions of the cows.
step 02
Establish the sky with broad washes of color, paying attention to the subtle gradations and the soft edges of the clouds.
step 03
Block in the distant landscape with muted greens and blues to create atmospheric perspective.
step 04
Paint the field with a base layer of browns and greens, gradually adding highlights and shadows to define the rolling terrain.
step 05
Add the trees, starting with the larger masses and then adding details like branches and leaves. Focus on capturing the light filtering through the foliage.
step 06
Paint the cows, paying attention to their anatomy and the way light falls on their forms. Use a limited palette of browns, whites, and blacks.
step 07
Refine the details, such as the texture of the grass and the subtle variations in the sky. Soften edges where necessary to create a sense of atmosphere.
step 08
Add final highlights and shadows to enhance the sense of depth and realism.

color palette

primary · burnt umber · raw sienna · titanium white · ultramarine blue

secondary · yellow ochre · cadmium yellow · alizarin crimson

Achieve the atmospheric perspective by mixing blues and whites with small amounts of browns and yellows. Create the greens by mixing blues and yellows, and adjust the hue with browns and reds for natural variations.

techniques