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home·artworks·Landscape with an avenue
Landscape with an avenue by Ludvig Kabell

plate no. 0734

Landscape with an avenue

Ludvig Kabell

oil, canvasRealismlandscapetreespathlandscapefoliageavenuesky

study guide

est. 12 hrs

approach — 8 steps

  1. step 01

    Sketch the basic composition, focusing on the converging lines of the path and the placement of the trees.

  2. step 02

    Establish the sky color with a thin wash of blue.

  3. step 03

    Block in the main shapes of the trees with dark greens and browns, paying attention to the light and shadow areas.

  4. step 04

    Begin layering in more detailed foliage, using a variety of greens, yellows, and browns.

  5. step 05

    Add highlights to the trees and foliage where the sunlight is hitting them.

  6. step 06

    Paint the path with a mix of browns and grays, adding fallen leaves with small brushstrokes.

  7. step 07

    Refine the details of the tree trunks and branches, adding texture and variation.

  8. 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

  • ·layering
  • ·blending
  • ·scumbling
  • ·atmospheric perspective
  • ·broken color

common pitfalls

  • →overworking the details
  • →not establishing a strong value structure
  • →using too much green without variation
  • →flattening the perspective

materials

surface · stretched canvas

required

  • ·stretched canvas 18x24
  • ·#2 round brush
  • ·#6 flat brush
  • ·#4 filbert brush
  • ·palette
  • ·linseed oil
  • ·odorless mineral spirits

optional

  • ·palette knife
  • ·easel
  • ·medium gloss
  • ·rags

Use a medium-tooth canvas for best results. Consider using a limited palette to simplify color mixing.

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oil painting for beginners →how to learn by studying the masters →
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