plate no. 1265

Manitoba Prairies

Evan Magar, 2017

oilRealismlandscapelandscapetreeshillsskywaterhouse

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in layering colors to create depth and using expressive brushstrokes to define form. It also provides practice in simplifying complex scenes into basic shapes and color blocks.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 8 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Sketch the basic shapes of the landscape, including the hills, water, sky, and the location of the house.
step 02
Block in the large areas of color for the sky, water, and land using thinned paint.
step 03
Establish the horizon line and the general color scheme for the distant hills.
step 04
Begin layering colors to create the texture and form of the trees and foliage, using short, directional brushstrokes.
step 05
Add details to the house, paying attention to the roof color and the shadows.
step 06
Refine the colors and values in the foreground to create depth and contrast.
step 07
Add highlights to the trees and foliage to create a sense of light and dimension.
step 08
Make final adjustments to the overall composition and color balance.

color palette

primary · Prussian blue · Cadmium yellow · Crimson red · Titanium white

secondary · Burnt umber · Sap green · Violet

Mix greens by combining Prussian blue and Cadmium yellow. Create muted tones by adding Burnt umber to colors. Use white to lighten values and create highlights.

techniques