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home·artworks·In Bermuda
In Bermuda by Prudence Heward

plate no. 5519

In Bermuda

Prudence Heward, 1939

oilExpressionismlandscapetreesfoliagelandscapeskyforest
some experience helpful

This painting helps students develop skills in layering colors and creating depth through color variation and brushstroke direction. It also encourages experimentation with expressive color choices to convey mood and atmosphere.

technical profile

palette complexity
3
brushwork visibility
4
value contrast
3
compositional simplicity
3

study guide

est. 12 hrs

approach — 8 steps

  1. step 01

    Sketch the basic shapes and composition, focusing on the placement of the main trees and foliage.

  2. step 02

    Block in the sky with a base layer of blue, varying the tones slightly.

  3. step 03

    Establish the dark areas of the trees and foliage with dark greens and browns.

  4. step 04

    Begin layering lighter greens and yellows onto the foliage, using visible brushstrokes to create texture.

  5. step 05

    Add details to the trees, focusing on the direction of the light and shadow.

  6. step 06

    Introduce secondary colors like purples and oranges to add depth and interest.

  7. step 07

    Refine the details and adjust the values to create a sense of depth and atmosphere.

  8. step 08

    Add final highlights to emphasize the light and create focal points.

color palette

primary · phthalo blue · yellow ochre · sap green · burnt umber

secondary · dioxazine purple · cadmium orange · titanium white

Mix greens by combining blues and yellows. Use white to lighten colors and create highlights. Mix purples and browns for shadows.

techniques

  • ·broken color
  • ·scumbling
  • ·layering
  • ·color mixing
  • ·expressive brushwork

common pitfalls

  • →Overmixing colors, resulting in muddy tones.
  • →Ignoring the direction of light and shadow.
  • →Creating flat, lifeless foliage.
  • →Failing to establish a clear focal point.

materials

surface · stretched canvas

required

  • ·stretched canvas
  • ·acrylic or oil paints
  • ·round brushes
  • ·flat brushes
  • ·palette
  • ·palette knife
  • ·linseed oil or acrylic medium

optional

  • ·easel
  • ·painting rags
  • ·turpentine or mineral spirits (for oil paints)
  • ·varnish

Use a medium-grain canvas to allow for texture. Consider using a limited palette to simplify color mixing.

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oil painting for beginners →how to learn by studying the masters →
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