plate no. 2153
Misty Mountains
Eyvind Earle, 1970
study guide
est. 8 hrsapproach — 8 steps
- step 01
Sketch the basic mountain shapes and the horizon line.
- step 02
Apply a thin, diluted wash of light blue-gray for the sky and distant mountains.
- step 03
Gradually build up layers of darker blues and grays for the closer mountain ranges, using a dry brush technique to create texture.
- step 04
Paint the silhouettes of the trees on each mountain range, varying their size and density to create depth.
- step 05
Add details to the tree branches using a fine brush.
- step 06
Introduce subtle highlights on the mountains to suggest light and form.
- step 07
Paint the small figures of animals in the foreground.
- step 08
Refine the details and adjust the values to create a sense of atmosphere and depth.
color palette
primary · Prussian blue · Payne's gray · Titanium white
secondary · Burnt umber · Yellow ochre
Mix Prussian blue and Payne's gray with varying amounts of white to create the different shades of blue-gray. Use burnt umber to add warmth to some of the darker areas.
techniques
- ·Dry brushing
- ·Glazing
- ·Atmospheric perspective
- ·Layering
- ·Blending
common pitfalls
- →Making the colors too saturated.
- →Not creating enough contrast between the foreground and background.
- →Overworking the details.
- →Failing to establish a clear light source.
materials
surface · Stretched canvas
required
- ·Stretched canvas
- ·Acrylic or oil paints
- ·Round brushes (various sizes)
- ·Flat brushes (various sizes)
- ·Palette
- ·Palette knife
- ·Odorless mineral spirits or water (depending on paint type)
- ·Linseed oil (if using oil paints)
optional
- ·Retarder medium
- ·Varnish
Use high-quality paints for best results. Consider using a toned canvas to make the painting process easier.
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