plate no. 9565
Landscape with Figures
Christopher Wood, 1926
study guide
est. 8 hrsapproach — 8 steps
- step 01
Sketch the basic composition, focusing on the horizon line and major shapes.
- step 02
Block in the sky with light blues and grays, creating cloud shapes.
- step 03
Establish the background hills with varying shades of green, using lighter values for distant hills.
- step 04
Paint the large tree mass, using dark greens and blues for shadows and lighter greens for highlights.
- step 05
Add the figures and animals, simplifying their forms and using basic colors.
- step 06
Paint the path and the structure with figures, paying attention to the perspective.
- step 07
Add details like the fence and the red train.
- step 08
Refine the brushstrokes and add final highlights and shadows.
color palette
primary · green · blue · brown · white
secondary · red · yellow · gray
Mix different shades of green by combining blue and yellow with varying amounts of white and brown. Create grays by mixing black and white, and adjust the tone with small amounts of blue or brown.
techniques
- ·blocking in
- ·dry brush texture
- ·scumbling
- ·color mixing
- ·simplification of forms
common pitfalls
- →Overworking the details
- →Creating muddy colors
- →Ignoring the basic shapes
- →Not establishing a clear focal point
materials
surface · stretched canvas
required
- ·Stretched canvas
- ·Acrylic or oil paints
- ·Round brushes
- ·Flat brushes
- ·Palette
- ·Palette knife
- ·Linseed oil (if using oil paints)
- ·Odorless mineral spirits (if using oil paints)
optional
- ·Medium gloss
- ·Easel
- ·Apron
Use student-grade paints for practice. Consider using a limited palette to simplify color mixing.
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