plate no. 1807
Highly Cultivated Hills
Fujishima Takeji, 1938
some experience helpful
This painting is great for practicing layering colors and creating depth through atmospheric perspective. Students will also learn how to simplify complex landscapes into basic shapes and color blocks.
technical profile
palette complexity
3
brushwork visibility
4
value contrast
3
compositional simplicity
3
study guide
est. 8 hrsapproach — 8 steps
- step 01
Sketch the basic shapes of the hills and fields, focusing on the overall composition.
- step 02
Block in the sky with a light blue, leaving some areas for clouds.
- step 03
Apply the base colors for the mountains and fields, using a mix of greens, browns, and reds.
- step 04
Layer in darker values to create shadows and define the forms of the hills.
- step 05
Add lighter values to highlight areas and create a sense of depth.
- step 06
Paint the details of the trees and buildings, using small brushstrokes.
- step 07
Refine the colors and values, adjusting as needed to match the original painting.
- step 08
Add final details and highlights to complete the painting.
color palette
primary · burnt sienna · sap green · ultramarine blue · titanium white
secondary · yellow ochre · alizarin crimson · raw umber
Mix greens by combining blue and yellow, and create earth tones by mixing browns, reds, and yellows. Use white to lighten values and create highlights.
techniques
- ·blocking in
- ·layering
- ·dry brush
- ·color mixing
- ·atmospheric perspective
common pitfalls
- →Overworking the details and losing the overall impression.
- →Using too much paint and creating a muddy effect.
- →Not paying attention to the values and creating a flat painting.
- →Failing to simplify the landscape into basic shapes.
materials
surface · stretched canvas
required
- ·stretched canvas 16x20
- ·burnt sienna oil paint
- ·sap green oil paint
- ·ultramarine blue oil paint
- ·titanium white oil paint
- ·round brushes (#4, #6, #8)
- ·palette
- ·linseed oil
optional
- ·palette knife
- ·medium gloss
- ·easel
Use a medium-grit canvas for better texture. Consider using a limited palette to simplify color mixing.
tips & new artworks in your inbox
no spam — unsubscribe anytime.
or to save artworks, chat, and track progress
related guides
