plate no. 0734

Landscape with an avenue

oil, canvasRealismlandscapetreespathlandscapefoliageavenuesky

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students understand atmospheric perspective and how to create depth using color and value changes. It also provides practice in rendering foliage and tree bark textures.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 12 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Sketch the basic composition, focusing on the converging lines of the path and the placement of the trees.
step 02
Establish the sky color with a thin wash of blue.
step 03
Block in the main shapes of the trees with dark greens and browns, paying attention to the light and shadow areas.
step 04
Begin layering in more detailed foliage, using a variety of greens, yellows, and browns.
step 05
Add highlights to the trees and foliage where the sunlight is hitting them.
step 06
Paint the path with a mix of browns and grays, adding fallen leaves with small brushstrokes.
step 07
Refine the details of the tree trunks and branches, adding texture and variation.
step 08
Adjust the overall values and colors to create a sense of depth and atmosphere.

color palette

primary · viridian green · burnt umber · yellow ochre · cerulean blue

secondary · cadmium yellow · raw sienna · titanium white · ivory black

Mix various greens by combining viridian green with yellow ochre or cadmium yellow. Create browns by mixing burnt umber with yellow ochre or ivory black. Use white to lighten colors and create highlights.

techniques