plate no. 6571
Large French Landscape
Matthew Smith, 1914
study guide
est. 8 hrsapproach — 7 steps
- step 01
Sketch the basic shapes of the buildings and landscape, focusing on composition.
- step 02
Block in the large areas of color with thin washes, starting with the background.
- step 03
Layer in darker values to define the shapes and create depth.
- step 04
Add details such as windows and roof lines with thicker paint.
- step 05
Use expressive brushstrokes to create texture and movement.
- step 06
Refine the colors and values, adjusting as needed to create a harmonious composition.
- step 07
Add final highlights and details to complete the painting.
color palette
primary · yellow · red · blue · white
secondary · green · orange · pink
Mix various shades of pink by combining red and white. Create orange by mixing red and yellow. Achieve green by mixing blue and yellow. Use white to lighten colors and create highlights.
techniques
- ·color blocking
- ·expressive brushstrokes
- ·layering
- ·color mixing
- ·impasto
common pitfalls
- →Overworking the details
- →Using too much detail
- →Not simplifying the shapes
- →Muddying the colors
- →Ignoring the overall composition
materials
surface · Stretched canvas
required
- ·Acrylic or oil paints
- ·Canvas or painting panel
- ·Assorted brushes (flat and round)
- ·Palette
- ·Palette knife
- ·Linseed oil or acrylic medium
- ·Odorless mineral spirits or water
optional
- ·Easel
- ·Apron
- ·Reference photo
Use a medium-sized canvas to allow for expressive brushstrokes. Consider using a limited palette to simplify color mixing.
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