plate no. 0519

Landscape with dead tree

oilNeoclassicismlandscapetreeslandscapeskycloudspathfigures

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in atmospheric perspective and creating depth through layering of colors and values. It also provides practice in rendering realistic tree bark and foliage.

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 placement of the trees, path, and horizon line.
step 02
Establish the sky with light blue and white, blending the clouds softly.
step 03
Block in the distant landscape with muted greens and browns, using atmospheric perspective to create depth.
step 04
Paint the path with varying shades of brown and ochre, adding texture to represent the dirt and ruts.
step 05
Begin painting the trees, starting with the darker tones and gradually adding highlights.
step 06
Focus on the details of the birch tree, using a fine brush to create the characteristic bark patterns.
step 07
Add the figures and other small details to the landscape.
step 08
Refine the overall painting, adjusting values and colors as needed to create a cohesive and realistic scene.

color palette

primary · Prussian Blue · Burnt Umber · Yellow Ochre · Titanium White

secondary · Sap Green · Cadmium Yellow

Mix various shades of green by combining Prussian Blue, Cadmium Yellow, and Burnt Umber. Achieve atmospheric perspective by adding white to the colors of distant objects.

techniques

·Layering
·Blending
·Dry brushing
·Atmospheric perspective
·Scumbling

common pitfalls

→Failing to establish a strong value structure early on.
→Overworking the details before establishing the overall composition.
→Using colors that are too saturated, resulting in a less realistic scene.
→Ignoring atmospheric perspective, which can flatten the image.

materials

surface · stretched canvas

required

·Stretched canvas 18x24
·Oil paints (Prussian Blue, Burnt Umber, Yellow Ochre, Titanium White, Sap Green, Cadmium Yellow)
·Round brushes (sizes 2, 4, 6)
·Flat brushes (sizes 8, 10)
·Palette
·Linseed oil
·Odorless mineral spirits
·Palette knife