plate no. 6493
Mondement
Fernand Combes, 1914
study guide
est. 8 hrsapproach — 8 steps
- step 01
Lightly sketch the main shapes: buildings, trees, and horizon line.
- step 02
Establish the basic value structure with light charcoal or a diluted wash.
- step 03
Block in the main color areas, starting with the sky and background.
- step 04
Develop the details of the buildings, focusing on light and shadow.
- step 05
Add the trees, paying attention to their branching structure and texture.
- step 06
Refine the foreground details, adding depth and interest.
- step 07
Adjust the overall values and colors to create a sense of atmosphere.
- step 08
Add final highlights and details to complete the painting.
color palette
primary · gray · yellow ochre · ivory black
secondary · burnt umber · raw sienna
Achieve the muted tones by mixing grays with small amounts of yellow ochre and burnt umber. Use ivory black to darken values and raw sienna for subtle warmth.
techniques
- ·atmospheric perspective
- ·dry brushing
- ·hatching
- ·scumbling
- ·value studies
common pitfalls
- →Overworking the details too early in the process.
- →Failing to establish a strong value structure.
- →Using colors that are too saturated.
- →Ignoring the effects of atmospheric perspective.
materials
surface · stretched canvas
required
- ·stretched canvas 12x16
- ·charcoal pencils
- ·acrylic paints (gray, yellow ochre, ivory black, burnt umber, raw sienna)
- ·round brushes (sizes 2, 4, 6)
- ·flat brush (size 8)
- ·palette
- ·water container
- ·paper towels
optional
- ·palette knife
- ·retarder medium
- ·varnish
Use a toned canvas for easier value control. Consider using a limited palette to simplify the color mixing process.
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