plate no. 7063

Gordale Scar (A View of Gordale, in the Manor of East Malham in Craven, Yorkshire, the Property of Lord Ribblesdale)

oilRomanticismlandscapecliffscowslandscapewaterfallskyclouds

experienced study

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in atmospheric perspective, rendering complex geological formations, and creating a sense of depth and scale. It also provides practice in depicting light and shadow in a dramatic way.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 20 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Sketch the basic composition, focusing on the placement of the cliffs and the waterfall.
step 02
Establish the darkest and lightest areas of the painting to create a strong value structure.
step 03
Begin blocking in the colors of the sky and clouds, paying attention to the subtle gradations of tone.
step 04
Work on the cliffs, layering different shades of brown, gray, and ochre to create the texture of the rock.
step 05
Add the waterfall, using white and light blue to capture the movement of the water.
step 06
Paint the foreground, including the cows and the vegetation, using smaller brushes for detail.
step 07
Refine the details of the painting, such as the texture of the rocks and the highlights on the cows.
step 08
Add final glazes to unify the colors and create a sense of atmosphere.

color palette

primary · raw umber · titanium white · ultramarine blue

secondary · yellow ochre · burnt sienna · ivory black

Achieve the various rock tones by mixing raw umber, yellow ochre, and a touch of ultramarine blue. Use titanium white to lighten the colors and create highlights. Mix ivory black with ultramarine blue to create the dark shadows.

techniques