plate no. 1181

Landscape of Spain

Alejandro Cabeza, 1989

oil, canvasContemporary Realismlandscapetreeslandscapeskyhorizonfoliage

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in layering dark values to create depth and using warm highlights to suggest light and form. It also provides practice in simplifying complex natural forms into expressive brushstrokes.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 8 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Sketch the basic composition, focusing on the placement of the trees and the horizon line.
step 02
Establish the background sky with a thin wash of light yellow and white, blending the colors softly.
step 03
Block in the dark areas of the landscape with a mix of burnt umber, black, and a touch of blue.
step 04
Begin layering the foliage of the trees, using short, broken brushstrokes to suggest texture.
step 05
Add highlights to the trees and landscape with warm tones like burnt sienna and yellow ochre.
step 06
Refine the details of the tree trunks, paying attention to the light and shadow.
step 07
Glaze thin layers of color to unify the painting and deepen the shadows.
step 08
Add final touches and highlights to create a sense of atmosphere.

color palette

primary · burnt umber · titanium white · black

secondary · yellow ochre · burnt sienna · ultramarine blue

Mix dark values by combining burnt umber and black. Achieve warm highlights by mixing yellow ochre and burnt sienna with white. Use ultramarine blue to cool down the shadows.

techniques