plate no. 6981
Ghost Ranch, Abiquiu, New Mexico
study guide
est. 8 hrsapproach — 7 steps
- step 01
Sketch the basic shapes of the mountains and horizon line, focusing on composition.
- step 02
Block in the sky with light blue and grey, leaving a lighter area for the sun.
- step 03
Apply a base layer of burnt sienna and raw umber to the mountains and foreground.
- step 04
Layer lighter shades of pink and white onto the mountains to create highlights and form.
- step 05
Add darker shades of brown and blue to create shadows and define the mountain edges.
- step 06
Use short, broken brushstrokes to add texture to the foreground and mountains.
- step 07
Refine the details and adjust the values to create depth and atmosphere.
color palette
primary · burnt sienna · titanium white · ultramarine blue
secondary · raw umber · yellow ochre · cadmium red light
Mix burnt sienna with white for the lighter mountain areas. Use ultramarine blue and white for the sky. Add a touch of red to the burnt sienna for warmer tones in the foreground.
techniques
- ·dry brushing
- ·layering
- ·color mixing
- ·scumbling
- ·blocking in
common pitfalls
- →Overworking the details and losing the simplicity of the shapes.
- →Using too much paint and creating a muddy effect.
- →Not paying attention to the values and creating a flat image.
- →Failing to capture the atmospheric perspective.
materials
surface · stretched canvas
required
- ·stretched canvas 16x20
- ·acrylic paints (burnt sienna, titanium white, ultramarine blue, raw umber)
- ·round brush #4
- ·flat brush #8
- ·palette
- ·palette knife
- ·water container
- ·paper towels
optional
- ·retarder medium
- ·easel
- ·apron
Use a medium-tooth canvas for better texture. Acrylic paints can be thinned with water or acrylic medium.
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