plate no. 5046

Landscape with Cypresses and Pines on a Rocky Coast

oil, canvasPost-Impressionismlandscapetreeslandscapecoastskywatervegetation

some experience helpful

This painting is great for practicing loose, expressive brushwork and learning how to mix greens and earth tones to create a naturalistic landscape. Students will also develop skills in simplifying complex forms into basic shapes.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 8 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Sketch the basic shapes of the trees, coastline, and horizon line using a light pencil.
step 02
Block in the large areas of color: sky, water, land, and foliage.
step 03
Start with the sky, blending light pinks and yellows to create a soft, diffused light.
step 04
Mix various shades of green for the trees, using darker greens for shadows and lighter greens for highlights.
step 05
Create the reddish-brown tones of the land, adding touches of green and yellow for variation.
step 06
Define the shapes of the trees and foliage with short, broken brushstrokes.
step 07
Add details to the water and sky, such as reflections and clouds.
step 08
Refine the overall composition and adjust colors as needed.

color palette

primary · viridian green · burnt sienna · titanium white

secondary · yellow ochre · cadmium red light · ultramarine blue

Mix greens by combining viridian green with yellow ochre and titanium white. Achieve earth tones by blending burnt sienna with ultramarine blue and white. Use small amounts of red and yellow to warm up the greens and browns.

techniques