plate no. 0837

Lincoln Cathedral from the Witham

oilRomanticismlandscaperiverskycloudslandscapebuildingboat

some experience helpful

This painting provides a good opportunity to practice atmospheric perspective and creating depth through value changes. Students can also learn to simplify complex shapes into basic forms.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 8 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Sketch the basic composition, focusing on the horizon line and the placement of the cathedral and river.
step 02
Block in the sky with a light, warm tone, gradually adding darker grays and browns for the clouds.
step 03
Establish the dark mass of the foreground landscape, using a mix of browns and blacks.
step 04
Paint the river with a lighter tone, reflecting the sky's colors and adding subtle variations.
step 05
Add the silhouette of the cathedral, paying attention to its simplified form and value.
step 06
Define the boat in the foreground with dark, simple shapes.
step 07
Refine the details of the clouds and reflections in the water.
step 08
Add final touches to create atmospheric perspective, softening edges and lightening values in the distance.

color palette

primary · raw umber · titanium white · yellow ochre

secondary · ultramarine blue · burnt sienna

Mix raw umber and white for the sky and river. Add yellow ochre for warmth. Use ultramarine blue and burnt sienna to create dark grays and browns for the landscape.

techniques