plate no. 2046

My Backyard

Georgia O'Keeffe, 1937

oilPrecisionismlandscapemountainslandscapeskycloudstreeshills

some experience helpful

This painting helps students develop skills in color mixing to achieve subtle variations and understanding how to simplify complex forms into basic shapes. It also encourages observation of light and shadow to create depth and dimension.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 12 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Sketch the basic shapes of the mountains, hills, and sky, focusing on proportions and composition.
step 02
Block in the large areas of color for the sky, mountains, and foreground using diluted washes.
step 03
Begin layering colors on the mountains, building up depth and form by adding shadows and highlights.
step 04
Mix and apply the various shades of green for the foreground, creating a sense of depth with lighter and darker tones.
step 05
Add details to the trees and bushes in the foreground, using small brushstrokes to create texture.
step 06
Refine the shapes and edges of the mountains, paying attention to the subtle variations in color and value.
step 07
Add final highlights and shadows to enhance the overall sense of depth and dimension.
step 08
Step back and assess the painting, making any necessary adjustments to color, value, or composition.

color palette

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

secondary · sap green · raw umber

Mix burnt sienna and yellow ochre with white to create the various shades of the mountains. Use cerulean blue and white for the sky, adding a touch of raw umber for the clouds. Mix sap green with yellow ochre and raw umber to create the greens in the foreground.

techniques