plate no. 4261
Lonely Tree
Janos Mattis-Teutsch, 1917
some experience helpful
This painting is great for learning about simplified forms and using color to create depth and mood. Students will practice layering colors and using visible brushstrokes to define shapes.
technical profile
palette complexity
3
brushwork visibility
4
value contrast
3
compositional simplicity
4
study guide
est. 6 hrsapproach — 8 steps
- step 01
Sketch the basic shapes of the tree, hills, and ground, focusing on their relative sizes and positions.
- step 02
Block in the sky with a base layer of blue, varying the tone slightly.
- step 03
Paint the hills using different shades of green and yellow, creating a sense of depth.
- step 04
Apply the base color for the ground, a mix of blues and purples.
- step 05
Add the swirling patterns in the ground with darker blues, purples, and hints of red.
- step 06
Paint the tree trunk with white, adding subtle pink and gray tones to suggest form.
- step 07
Refine the edges of the shapes and add details with visible brushstrokes.
- step 08
Add final highlights and shadows to enhance the overall composition.
color palette
primary · ultramarine blue · yellow ochre · titanium white
secondary · viridian green · alizarin crimson · purple
Mix greens by combining blue and yellow. Achieve purple by mixing blue and red. Vary the blues by adding white or a touch of red.
techniques
- ·color blocking
- ·layering
- ·visible brushstrokes
- ·color mixing
- ·simplified forms
common pitfalls
- →Overworking the details and losing the simplified aesthetic.
- →Creating muddy colors by over-mixing.
- →Not varying the color tones enough to create depth.
- →Making the brushstrokes too uniform and losing the sense of texture.
materials
surface · stretched canvas
required
- ·stretched canvas
- ·acrylic or oil paints
- ·round brushes (various sizes)
- ·flat brushes (various sizes)
- ·palette
- ·palette knife
- ·linseed oil (if using oil paints)
- ·mineral spirits or turpentine (for cleaning brushes)
optional
- ·painting medium (e.g., Liquin)
- ·easel
- ·apron
Use a medium-grain canvas for best results. Acrylics are more beginner-friendly due to their faster drying time.
tips & new artworks in your inbox
no spam — unsubscribe anytime.
or to save artworks, chat, and track progress
