plate no. 7761
John Wilson Carmichael - Corby Viaduct, the Newcastle and Carlisle Railway
John Wilson Carmichael, 1836
some experience helpful
Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in atmospheric perspective and layering techniques to create depth. It also provides practice in painting figures within a landscape setting.
technical profile
palette complexity
3
brushwork visibility
3
value contrast
3
compositional simplicity
2
study guide
est. 12 hrsapproach — 8 steps
- step 01
Sketch the basic composition, including the bridge, trees, and horizon line.
- step 02
Block in the sky with a light, muted color.
- step 03
Establish the main shapes of the bridge and the large tree on the right.
- step 04
Add the darker tones for the trees on the left and the foreground field.
- step 05
Begin layering in details for the bridge, including the arches and shadows.
- step 06
Paint the figures in the foreground, paying attention to their relative sizes and positions.
- step 07
Add highlights to the field and trees to create a sense of light and shadow.
- step 08
Refine details and add finishing touches, such as the birds in the sky.
color palette
primary · raw umber · yellow ochre · titanium white
secondary · burnt sienna · ultramarine blue · cadmium yellow light
Achieve the muted tones by mixing complementary colors. Use white to lighten values and create atmospheric haze.
techniques
- ·layering
- ·atmospheric perspective
- ·dry brushing
- ·scumbling
- ·glazing
common pitfalls
- →Overworking the details too early in the process.
- →Failing to establish a strong value structure.
- →Making the colors too saturated.
- →Ignoring the effects of atmospheric perspective.
materials
surface · stretched canvas
required
- ·stretched canvas 18x24
- ·raw umber oil paint
- ·yellow ochre oil paint
- ·titanium white oil paint
- ·burnt sienna oil paint
- ·round brushes (sizes 2, 4, 6)
- ·flat brush (size 8)
- ·linseed oil
optional
- ·palette knife
- ·turpentine
- ·medium gloss
Use a medium-grit canvas for better texture. Consider using a toned canvas to speed up the painting process.
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