plate no. 3897
Landscape
L. S. Lowry, 1912
some experience helpful
Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in layering paint to create depth and texture, as well as simplifying complex forms into basic shapes.
technical profile
palette complexity
3
brushwork visibility
4
value contrast
3
compositional simplicity
3
study guide
est. 8 hrsapproach — 8 steps
- step 01
Sketch the basic composition, focusing on the path and the placement of the trees and building.
- step 02
Apply a thin wash of burnt umber as an underpainting to establish the overall tonal values.
- step 03
Block in the main shapes of the trees with dark greens and browns, using visible brushstrokes.
- step 04
Add highlights to the path and sky with lighter shades of gray and white.
- step 05
Define the building with subtle variations of gray and brown, paying attention to its form.
- step 06
Introduce small touches of red and orange to the trees and figures for visual interest.
- step 07
Refine the details and textures with dry brush techniques.
- step 08
Add final highlights and shadows to enhance the depth and atmosphere.
color palette
primary · burnt umber · titanium white · sap green
secondary · cadmium red · yellow ochre · payne's gray
Mix greens by combining sap green with burnt umber or yellow ochre. Achieve grays by mixing titanium white with burnt umber and a touch of payne's gray.
techniques
- ·dry brush texture
- ·layering
- ·scumbling
- ·broken color
common pitfalls
- →Overworking the details and losing the loose, impressionistic feel.
- →Creating overly saturated colors that detract from the muted palette.
- →Failing to establish a strong value structure.
- →Making the path too uniform and lacking in texture.
materials
surface · stretched canvas
required
- ·stretched canvas
- ·burnt umber oil paint
- ·titanium white oil paint
- ·sap green oil paint
- ·cadmium red oil paint
- ·round brushes (various sizes)
- ·palette knife
- ·linseed oil
optional
- ·palette
- ·easel
- ·odorless mineral spirits
Use a medium-grit canvas to enhance the texture of the painting. Consider using a limited palette to simplify the color mixing process.
tips & new artworks in your inbox
no spam — unsubscribe anytime.
or to save artworks, chat, and track progress
related guides
