plate no. 3438
Mountain in New Hampshire
O. Louis Guglielmi, 1932
some experience helpful
This painting offers practice in layering colors to create depth and atmosphere, as well as simplifying complex forms into basic shapes. Students can learn to create a sense of distance using color and value changes.
technical profile
palette complexity
3
brushwork visibility
4
value contrast
3
compositional simplicity
3
study guide
est. 8 hrsapproach — 8 steps
- step 01
Sketch the basic shapes of the mountain, hills, and houses.
- step 02
Block in the sky with light blue and beige tones.
- step 03
Apply the darkest blues to the mountain's peak and shadows.
- step 04
Layer greens and blues to define the rolling hills.
- step 05
Add the basic shapes of the houses with white and red.
- step 06
Paint the foreground foliage with varied greens and blues.
- step 07
Refine the details of the houses and trees.
- step 08
Add highlights and shadows to create depth.
color palette
primary · ultramarine blue · sap green · titanium white
secondary · yellow ochre · burnt sienna · raw umber
Mix greens by combining blue and yellow. Use white to lighten colors and create atmospheric perspective. Mix browns and grays with combinations of the primary colors.
techniques
- ·layering
- ·scumbling
- ·color mixing
- ·atmospheric perspective
- ·blocking in
common pitfalls
- →Overworking the details too early.
- →Using colors straight from the tube without mixing.
- →Creating too much contrast in the foreground.
- →Not establishing 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
- ·linseed oil (if using oil paints)
- ·mineral spirits or turpentine (for cleaning)
optional
- ·painting medium
- ·easel
- ·rags
Use a medium-textured canvas to allow for visible brushstrokes. Acrylics will dry faster, while oils allow for more blending time.
tips & new artworks in your inbox
no spam — unsubscribe anytime.
or to save artworks, chat, and track progress
