plate no. 4082

Homewards

Tom Scott, 1920

oilImpressionismgenre paintinglandscapetreesfigurehorsessunsetfield

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in creating atmospheric perspective and rendering figures in a landscape setting. It will also help them practice loose brushwork and color mixing to achieve subtle tonal variations.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 8 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Lightly sketch the main compositional elements: horizon line, trees, figures, and the suggestion of the distant landscape.
step 02
Establish the sky with a light wash of yellow and pale blue, blending them to create a soft, atmospheric effect around the sun.
step 03
Paint the distant hills with muted greens and browns, using lighter values to create a sense of distance.
step 04
Add the trees, using thin, vertical strokes to suggest the branches and trunks. Vary the color slightly to create depth.
step 05
Block in the figures and horses with basic shapes and colors, paying attention to their relative sizes and positions.
step 06
Develop the foreground with loose, textured brushstrokes, using a mix of greens, yellows, and browns to suggest the field.
step 07
Add details to the figures and horses, such as saddles, clothing, and facial features, using small, precise brushstrokes.
step 08
Refine the overall composition by adjusting values, adding highlights, and softening edges as needed.

color palette

primary · yellow ochre · burnt umber · cerulean blue

secondary · raw sienna · ivory black · sap green

Achieve the atmospheric sunset glow by diluting yellow ochre and mixing it with a touch of cerulean blue. Muted greens are created by mixing sap green with burnt umber.

techniques

·wet-on-wet blending
·dry brush texture
·atmospheric perspective
·scumbling
·glazing

common pitfalls

→Overworking the details and losing the loose, impressionistic feel.
→Creating too much contrast and flattening the atmospheric perspective.
→Making the colors too saturated and unnatural.
→Not establishing a clear focal point.

materials

surface · watercolor paper 140lb

required

·Watercolor paints
·Round brushes (various sizes)
·Watercolor paper (140lb)
·Palette
·Water container
·Paper towels
·Pencil
·Eraser

optional

·Masking fluid
·Palette knife
·Spray bottle

Use high-quality watercolor paper to prevent buckling and allow for better blending. Experiment with different brush sizes to achieve a variety of textures.

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