plate no. 1157
Landscape
some experience helpful
Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in simplifying complex scenes into geometric shapes and using a limited color palette to create a cohesive and expressive landscape. It will also help with understanding atmospheric perspective and creating depth through color and value changes.
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 shapes of the bridge, buildings, and landscape, focusing on proportions and placement.
- step 02
Block in the sky with a thin wash of light blue-gray.
- step 03
Establish the main color areas for the buildings and landscape using simplified geometric shapes.
- step 04
Begin layering colors within each shape, varying the tones and hues to create depth and interest.
- step 05
Add details to the bridge structure, focusing on the arches and shadows.
- step 06
Refine the edges of the shapes, softening some and leaving others sharp to create visual interest.
- step 07
Add highlights to suggest light and form.
- step 08
Review the painting and make any necessary adjustments to color, value, and composition.
color palette
primary · titanium white · yellow ochre · burnt sienna · ultramarine blue
secondary · cadmium red · viridian green · raw umber
Mix various shades of gray by combining white, blue, and a touch of burnt sienna. Achieve earth tones by mixing yellow ochre, burnt sienna, and raw umber. Use small amounts of cadmium red to warm up the browns and greens.
techniques
- ·blocking in
- ·broken color
- ·scumbling
- ·dry brushing
- ·atmospheric perspective
common pitfalls
- →Overworking the details and losing the simplified geometric shapes.
- →Using too many colors and creating a muddy effect.
- →Failing to establish a clear value structure.
- →Not simplifying the scene enough.
materials
surface · stretched canvas
required
- ·stretched canvas
- ·titanium white oil paint
- ·yellow ochre oil paint
- ·burnt sienna oil paint
- ·ultramarine blue oil paint
- ·round brushes (various sizes)
- ·palette knife
- ·palette
optional
- ·linseed oil
- ·turpentine
- ·medium gloss
- ·easel
Use a medium-grain canvas for best results. Consider using a limited palette to simplify the color mixing process.
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