plate no. 2878
In the afternoon
John Peter Russell, 1891
some experience helpful
Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in color mixing, layering, and creating texture with visible brushstrokes. It also encourages observation of light and shadow in a landscape.
technical profile
palette complexity
4
brushwork visibility
5
value contrast
3
compositional simplicity
3
study guide
est. 12 hrsapproach — 8 steps
- step 01
Sketch the basic composition, indicating the horizon line, the placement of the trees, and the mountain range.
- step 02
Apply a thin wash of burnt sienna or raw umber to tone the canvas.
- step 03
Block in the sky with a light blue-green mixture, using short, broken brushstrokes.
- step 04
Establish the mountain range with varying shades of blue and purple, keeping the values light.
- step 05
Paint the field with a base layer of ochre and pink, then add layers of green, yellow, and red to create texture and depth.
- step 06
Define the trees with mixtures of yellow, brown, and green, using thicker paint and more visible brushstrokes.
- step 07
Add details to the foreground, such as shadows and variations in the field.
- step 08
Refine the overall composition and adjust colors as needed to achieve a harmonious effect.
color palette
primary · yellow ochre · ultramarine blue · burnt sienna · titanium white
secondary · cadmium yellow · alizarin crimson · viridian green
Mix greens by combining yellow and blue, and purples by combining red and blue. Use white to lighten colors and create subtle variations in value.
techniques
- ·broken color
- ·impasto
- ·scumbling
- ·layering
- ·alla prima
common pitfalls
- →Overmixing colors, resulting in muddy tones.
- →Creating too much detail in the background.
- →Failing to establish a clear focal point.
- →Using too much paint too early in the process.
materials
surface · stretched canvas
required
- ·stretched canvas
- ·oil paints
- ·palette
- ·palette knife
- ·#4 round brush
- ·#8 flat brush
- ·linseed oil
- ·turpentine
optional
- ·painting medium
- ·easel
- ·rags
- ·varnish
Use a medium-grain canvas to allow for texture. Consider using a fast-drying medium to speed up the drying time.
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