plate no. 2286

Mt. Rainier from the Southwest

oilLuminismlandscapemountainstreeslakeskyfoliagereflection

some experience helpful

This painting provides practice in atmospheric perspective and color mixing to create depth. Students will also learn to render realistic foliage and mountain forms.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 12 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Sketch the basic composition, focusing on the placement of the mountain, trees, and lake.
step 02
Block in the sky with a light blue, creating a gradient towards the horizon.
step 03
Establish the dark masses of the distant trees and the large hill on the left.
step 04
Begin layering in the colors of the foliage, using a variety of yellows, oranges, and reds.
step 05
Paint the mountain, starting with the shadows and gradually adding highlights to create form.
step 06
Add details to the trees, including branches and leaves.
step 07
Paint the reflections in the lake, mirroring the colors and shapes above.
step 08
Refine details and adjust values to create a sense of depth and realism.

color palette

primary · cerulean blue · titanium white · yellow ochre · burnt umber

secondary · cadmium yellow · cadmium red · viridian green · ultramarine blue

Mix different shades of green by combining yellow ochre, viridian green, and ultramarine blue. Achieve the mountain's cool shadows by mixing ultramarine blue and burnt umber with white.

techniques