plate no. 2356
Landscape. Cookham Dene.
Stanley Spencer, 1939
some experience helpful
This painting offers practice in depicting depth through layering and atmospheric perspective, as well as rendering complex textures of foliage and flowers with varied brushstrokes.
technical profile
palette complexity
4
brushwork visibility
3
value contrast
3
compositional simplicity
2
study guide
est. 15 hrsapproach — 8 steps
- step 01
Sketch the basic composition, focusing on the major shapes and perspective lines.
- step 02
Block in the sky and distant hills with thin washes of color.
- step 03
Establish the main areas of the fields and garden with broad strokes.
- step 04
Begin layering in the trees and hedges, using darker values to create depth.
- step 05
Add details to the flowerbeds, varying the colors and shapes of the blossoms.
- step 06
Refine the shadows and highlights to enhance the three-dimensional effect.
- step 07
Add final details such as the fence and any small plants.
- step 08
Review and adjust the overall color balance and value contrast.
color palette
primary · yellow ochre · sap green · burnt umber · titanium white
secondary · cadmium red · ultramarine blue · cadmium yellow
Mix greens by combining yellow ochre, sap green, and ultramarine blue. Vary the greens by adding small amounts of red or white. Achieve earth tones by mixing burnt umber with white and small amounts of other colors.
techniques
- ·layering
- ·scumbling
- ·broken color
- ·atmospheric perspective
- ·color mixing
common pitfalls
- →Overworking the details too early.
- →Failing to establish a strong value structure.
- →Using colors straight from the tube without mixing.
- →Losing the sense of depth by making all areas equally detailed.
materials
surface · stretched canvas
required
- ·stretched canvas
- ·acrylic or oil paints
- ·round brushes
- ·flat brushes
- ·palette
- ·palette knife
- ·linseed oil or acrylic medium
optional
- ·easel
- ·painting medium
- ·varnish
- ·rags
Use a medium-sized canvas to allow for sufficient detail. Acrylics will dry faster, while oils offer more blending time.
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