plate no. 7035

Gathering Storm

oil, canvasRealismlandscapelandscapestorm cloudstreesgrasspathriver

some experience helpful

This painting provides practice in creating atmospheric perspective and rendering realistic foliage with varied brushstrokes. Students will learn to mix subtle color variations to depict light and shadow in a landscape.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 15 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Sketch the basic composition, focusing on the horizon line and major shapes.
step 02
Block in the sky with dark blues and grays, blending to create cloud formations.
step 03
Establish the dark masses of the trees and distant foliage.
step 04
Begin layering greens for the grass and foreground, using a variety of values.
step 05
Add details to the trees, including branches and leaves, using smaller brushes.
step 06
Paint the path with muted earth tones, suggesting texture and depth.
step 07
Refine the highlights and shadows throughout the painting, paying attention to the light source.
step 08
Add final details such as wildflowers and subtle reflections in the water.

color palette

primary · Prussian Blue · Yellow Ochre · Titanium White · Burnt Umber

secondary · Sap Green · Cadmium Yellow · Alizarin Crimson

Mix greens by combining yellow ochre, prussian blue, and white. Create atmospheric perspective by adding white to colors for distant elements. The dark storm clouds are a mix of prussian blue, burnt umber, and a touch of crimson.

techniques

·Layering
·Blending
·Dry brushing
·Scumbling
·Atmospheric perspective

common pitfalls

→Overworking the details in the foreground.
→Creating muddy colors by overmixing.
→Ignoring the atmospheric perspective, making distant elements too bright.
→Failing to establish a strong value structure early on.

materials

surface · Stretched canvas

required

·Stretched canvas 18x24
·Oil paints (Prussian Blue, Yellow Ochre, Titanium White, Burnt Umber, Sap Green)
·Round brushes (sizes 2, 4, 6)
·Flat brushes (sizes 4, 8)
·Palette
·Linseed oil
·Odorless mineral spirits
·Rags