plate no. 6324
Hawker, Flinders Ranges
Horace Trenerry, 1930
some experience helpful
This painting offers practice in layering colors to create depth and atmosphere, and in using broken color to represent textures in the landscape. Students will also learn to simplify complex scenes into basic shapes and values.
technical profile
palette complexity
3
brushwork visibility
4
value contrast
3
compositional simplicity
4
study guide
est. 6 hrsapproach — 8 steps
- step 01
Lightly sketch the basic composition: horizon line, mountain shape, and placement of the cattle.
- step 02
Block in the sky with light yellows and grays, blending softly.
- step 03
Establish the mountain range with a flat blue tone, adjusting the value to suggest distance.
- step 04
Lay in the distant hills with muted browns and greens.
- step 05
Begin building up the field with layers of brown, green, and ochre, using broken brushstrokes.
- step 06
Add details to the cattle with darker browns and reds.
- step 07
Refine the sky and field with subtle color variations and highlights.
- step 08
Add final details like fence lines and small vegetation.
color palette
primary · ultramarine blue · yellow ochre · burnt umber
secondary · titanium white · sap green · cadmium red light
Mix muted greens by combining yellow ochre, ultramarine blue, and a touch of burnt umber. Achieve the atmospheric perspective by lightening and graying colors as they recede into the distance.
techniques
- ·broken color
- ·dry brushing
- ·atmospheric perspective
- ·layering
- ·scumbling
common pitfalls
- →Overworking the details in the field, losing the impressionistic effect.
- →Making the mountain too bright and saturated, causing it to appear flat.
- →Failing to create a sense of depth through value and color changes.
- →Using too much detail in the distant elements.
materials
surface · stretched canvas
required
- ·stretched canvas 12x16
- ·ultramarine blue oil paint
- ·yellow ochre oil paint
- ·burnt umber oil paint
- ·titanium white oil paint
- ·#4 round brush
- ·#6 flat brush
- ·palette knife
optional
- ·linseed oil
- ·odorless mineral spirits
- ·medium gloss
Use a limited palette to simplify color mixing and achieve a harmonious effect. Consider using a toned canvas to establish a base color.
tips & new artworks in your inbox
no spam — unsubscribe anytime.
or to save artworks, chat, and track progress
related guides
in this vein
