plate no. 0787

Herd in the pasture

oil, canvasRealismlandscapelandscapetreesskycloudsgrasssheep

some experience helpful

This painting provides a good opportunity to practice creating depth through atmospheric perspective and layering of colors. Students can also learn to depict foliage and grassy textures with varied brushstrokes.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 8 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Sketch the basic composition, focusing on the horizon line and the placement of the trees and sheep.
step 02
Block in the sky with light blue and white, creating soft, blended clouds.
step 03
Establish the base colors for the hillside, using a mix of browns, greens, and yellows.
step 04
Add the darker shadows under the trees and on the hillside to create depth.
step 05
Layer in the foliage of the trees, using varied greens and browns, and suggesting individual leaves with small brushstrokes.
step 06
Paint the sheep as simple shapes, using white and gray, and suggest their woolly texture with short, broken strokes.
step 07
Add details to the foreground grass, using dry brush techniques to create texture.
step 08
Refine the overall painting, adjusting colors and values as needed to create a sense of harmony and realism.

color palette

primary · ultramarine blue · yellow ochre · burnt umber · titanium white

secondary · sap green · raw sienna

Mix greens by combining yellow ochre and ultramarine blue. Create lighter tones by adding titanium white to the base colors. Use burnt umber to darken shadows.

techniques