plate no. 5052
Kevättulva Tuusulanjärvellä
some experience helpful
Recreating this painting will help students understand atmospheric perspective and how to simplify complex scenes into basic shapes and values. It also provides practice in mixing muted colors and creating texture with brushstrokes.
technical profile
palette complexity
3
brushwork visibility
4
value contrast
3
compositional simplicity
3
study guide
est. 8 hrsapproach — 8 steps
- step 01
Lightly sketch the basic composition, focusing on the placement of the trees and the horizon line.
- step 02
Block in the large areas of color: sky, water, snow, and ground, using thin washes.
- step 03
Establish the values of the trees, starting with the darkest areas and gradually adding highlights.
- step 04
Add details to the trees, such as branches and texture, using a variety of brushstrokes.
- step 05
Refine the snow and water, paying attention to the reflections and subtle color variations.
- step 06
Add the details in the foreground, such as the ground and any small objects.
- step 07
Adjust the overall values and colors to create a sense of depth and atmosphere.
- step 08
Add final highlights and details to complete the painting.
color palette
primary · raw umber · titanium white · ultramarine blue
secondary · yellow ochre · burnt sienna · sap green
Mix muted tones by combining complementary colors. Use white to lighten values and create subtle variations in the snow and sky. Add a touch of blue to the shadows in the snow to create a cool effect.
techniques
- ·dry brush texture
- ·scumbling
- ·broken color
- ·layering
- ·atmospheric perspective
common pitfalls
- →Overworking the details in the trees, losing the overall sense of atmosphere.
- →Making the colors too saturated, resulting in a flat and unrealistic painting.
- →Ignoring the subtle value changes in the snow and water.
- →Not establishing a clear focal point.
materials
surface · stretched canvas
required
- ·stretched canvas 12x16
- ·raw umber oil paint
- ·titanium white oil paint
- ·ultramarine blue oil paint
- ·yellow ochre oil paint
- ·round brushes (sizes 2, 4, 6)
- ·linseed oil
- ·palette
optional
- ·palette knife
- ·medium (e.g., Liquin)
- ·easel
Use a canvas with a medium texture to allow for better brushwork.
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