plate no. 2153
Misty Mountains
Eyvind Earle, 1970
some experience helpful
Recreating this painting will help students understand atmospheric perspective and how to create depth using value and color. It also provides practice in painting detailed tree branches and soft blended backgrounds.
technical profile
palette complexity
3
brushwork visibility
2
value contrast
4
compositional simplicity
3
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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