plate no. 2376

Lake O'Hara

Jock Macdonald, 1941

oilExpressionismlandscapemountainslakestreeslandscaperockssky

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in layering colors to create depth and texture, and in simplifying complex landscapes into manageable shapes. Students will also learn to use brushstrokes to define form and create a sense of movement.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 12 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Sketch the basic shapes of the mountains, lakes, and trees, focusing on the overall composition.
step 02
Block in the main color areas with thin washes, starting with the sky and distant mountains.
step 03
Layer darker values to define the shadows and create depth in the mountains and trees.
step 04
Add details to the rocks and foreground, using thicker paint and visible brushstrokes.
step 05
Paint the lakes with varying shades of blue, reflecting the sky and surrounding landscape.
step 06
Refine the edges and details, paying attention to the transitions between different areas.
step 07
Add highlights to the mountains and rocks to create a sense of light and form.
step 08
Make final adjustments to the colors and values to achieve the desired effect.

color palette

primary · ultramarine blue · burnt sienna · titanium white

secondary · yellow ochre · viridian green · raw umber

Mix various shades of brown and gray by combining burnt sienna, raw umber, and white. Achieve the blue of the lakes by mixing ultramarine blue with white and a touch of green. Create the mountain colors by mixing burnt sienna with white, yellow ochre, and a touch of blue.

techniques

·dry brush texture
·layering
·color mixing
·scumbling
·broken color

common pitfalls

→Overworking the details and losing the overall impression.
→Using too much paint and creating a muddy effect.
→Failing to establish a strong value structure.
→Ignoring the subtle color variations in the landscape.

materials

surface · stretched canvas

required

·stretched canvas 16x20
·oil paints
·#4 round brush
·#8 flat brush
·palette
·linseed oil
·turpentine
·palette knife

optional

·painting medium
·varnish
·easel

Use a medium-tooth canvas to allow for good paint adhesion and texture. Consider using a quick-drying medium to speed up the drying time of the oil paints.

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