plate no. 1168

Landscape with buffalo on the upper Missouri

watercolor, paperRomanticismlandscapelandscapebuffalorivermountainsplainswildlife

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in atmospheric perspective and rendering animal forms in a landscape setting. It also provides practice in creating depth and texture through layering and subtle color variations.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 12 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Sketch the basic composition, including the horizon line, mountains, river, and placement of the buffalo.
step 02
Establish the sky with a light wash of blue and yellow, blending the colors softly.
step 03
Paint the distant mountains using diluted washes of grey, green, and brown, creating atmospheric perspective.
step 04
Add the mid-ground plains and riverbanks with slightly darker washes, defining the edges and textures.
step 05
Begin painting the buffalo, starting with the basic shapes and gradually adding details and shadows.
step 06
Paint the foreground vegetation, using a variety of greens and browns to create depth and texture.
step 07
Add final details such as reflections in the water, highlights on the buffalo, and subtle variations in the landscape.
step 08
Review and adjust the values and colors to achieve a harmonious and balanced composition.

color palette

primary · yellow ochre · ultramarine blue · burnt umber

secondary · raw sienna · payne's gray · sap green

Mix ultramarine blue with yellow ochre to create various shades of green for the landscape. Use burnt umber and payne's gray for shadows and darker areas. Dilute colors with water to achieve transparent washes.

techniques

·wet-on-wet blending
·dry brushing
·layering washes
·atmospheric perspective
·rendering animal forms

common pitfalls

→Overworking the details too early
→Using colors that are too saturated
→Failing to create a sense of depth
→Ignoring the importance of atmospheric perspective

materials

surface · watercolor paper 140lb

required

·watercolor paints
·watercolor paper (140lb or heavier)
·round brushes (various sizes)
·flat brushes (various sizes)
·palette
·water container
·paper towels
·pencil

optional

·masking fluid
·palette knife
·kneaded eraser

Use high-quality watercolor paper to prevent buckling and ensure even washes. Experiment with different brush sizes to achieve various textures and details.

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