plate no. 5010
Landscape
suitable for beginners
This painting is great for practicing layering colors and creating reflections in water. Students can also learn to simplify complex scenes into basic shapes and forms.
technical profile
palette complexity
3
brushwork visibility
4
value contrast
3
compositional simplicity
3
study guide
est. 6 hrsapproach — 8 steps
- step 01
Sketch the basic shapes: horizon line, pond, haystack, trees, and building.
- step 02
Block in the sky with light blue and hints of yellow.
- step 03
Add the dark tones of the pond, leaving space for reflections.
- step 04
Paint the haystack with yellow and orange, adding shadows.
- step 05
Define the trees with green and brown, using vertical strokes.
- step 06
Add the building with white and gray, keeping it simple.
- step 07
Create reflections in the pond by mirroring the colors above.
- step 08
Add final details like the ducks and subtle color variations.
color palette
primary · ultramarine blue · yellow ochre · burnt umber · sap green
secondary · titanium white · cadmium yellow · raw sienna
Mix greens by combining blue and yellow. Use white to lighten colors for the sky and reflections. Create darker tones by mixing umber with blue or green.
techniques
- ·layering
- ·blending
- ·dry brushing
- ·scumbling
- ·color mixing
common pitfalls
- →Overworking the details
- →Making the reflections too perfect
- →Using too much white
- →Not establishing a clear value structure
materials
surface · pastel paper
required
- ·oil pastels or soft pastels
- ·pastel paper
- ·kneaded eraser
- ·fixative spray
- ·palette for mixing
- ·paper towels
optional
- ·palette knife
- ·blending stumps
- ·workable fixative
Use a textured pastel paper to help the pastels adhere. Work from dark to light, layering colors gradually.
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