plate no. 5456

Grand Canyon

Maxfield Parrish, 1902

oilSymbolismlandscapemountainscanyonriverlandscaperockssky

some experience helpful

This painting is great for learning about color temperature and how to use it to create depth. It also provides practice in simplifying complex landscapes into basic shapes and values.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 12 hrs

approach — 7 steps

step 01
Sketch the basic shapes of the mountains, canyon walls, and river, focusing on the overall composition.
step 02
Block in the large areas of color, starting with the sky and the river.
step 03
Establish the main light and shadow areas on the mountains and canyon walls.
step 04
Refine the shapes and details of the mountains, adding texture and variations in color.
step 05
Add details to the river and foreground rocks.
step 06
Glaze thin layers of color to adjust the values and create depth.
step 07
Add final highlights and details to enhance the sense of light and atmosphere.

color palette

primary · burnt sienna · ultramarine blue · yellow ochre

secondary · titanium white · cadmium red

Mix burnt sienna and ultramarine blue for the shadows in the canyon and mountains. Use yellow ochre and white for the highlights on the rocks and mountains. Add cadmium red to burnt sienna for warmer tones.

techniques