plate no. 4857
Look to the mountain town of Mola at Taormina
some experience helpful
This painting helps students develop skills in atmospheric perspective and rendering complex forms with subtle value changes. It also encourages careful observation of light and shadow on varied surfaces.
technical profile
palette complexity
4
brushwork visibility
3
value contrast
3
compositional simplicity
3
study guide
est. 15 hrsapproach — 8 steps
- step 01
Sketch the basic shapes of the mountains and the town, focusing on proportions.
- step 02
Establish the horizon line and the overall composition.
- step 03
Apply a thin wash of burnt umber to tone the canvas.
- step 04
Block in the main areas of color: the sky, mountains, and foliage.
- step 05
Develop the mountain forms with layers of warm and cool browns, yellows, and oranges, paying attention to light and shadow.
- step 06
Add details to the town on the mountain top, using smaller brushes.
- step 07
Paint the foliage in the foreground with varying shades of green, adding highlights and shadows to create depth.
- step 08
Refine the details and adjust values as needed to create a sense of atmosphere.
color palette
primary · yellow ochre · burnt umber · titanium white
secondary · sap green · ultramarine blue · cadmium yellow
Mix various shades of brown by combining burnt umber with yellow ochre and white. Use ultramarine blue to cool down the browns and create shadows. Achieve greens by mixing sap green with cadmium yellow and a touch of blue.
techniques
- ·layering
- ·scumbling
- ·dry brushing
- ·atmospheric perspective
- ·value studies
common pitfalls
- →Overworking the details too early in the process.
- →Failing to establish a strong value structure.
- →Using too much green without considering the subtle variations in color.
- →Ignoring the effects of atmospheric perspective, which can flatten the image.
materials
surface · stretched canvas
required
- ·stretched canvas
- ·oil paints
- ·palette
- ·palette knife
- ·assorted brushes (round and flat)
- ·linseed oil
- ·turpentine
- ·rags
optional
- ·medium gloss
- ·easel
- ·color wheel
Use a medium-grain canvas for best results. Consider using a limited palette to simplify the color mixing process.
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