plate no. 6456

Norwegian Highlands

oilRomanticismlandscapelandscapemountainscloudslakerocksbuildings

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in atmospheric perspective and creating depth through layering. Students will also learn to mix subtle color variations to depict realistic cloud formations and rocky terrain.

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 horizon line and major landforms.
step 02
Block in the sky with broad strokes, establishing the light and dark areas of the clouds.
step 03
Establish the distant mountains with a thin wash of cool grays and blues.
step 04
Begin layering in the mid-ground, focusing on the shapes and values of the rocks and vegetation.
step 05
Add details to the foreground rocks, using a variety of brushstrokes to create texture.
step 06
Paint the lake, reflecting the colors of the sky and surrounding landscape.
step 07
Add small details like the buildings and figures to create a sense of scale and interest.
step 08
Refine the overall painting, adjusting values and adding highlights to create depth and dimension.

color palette

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

secondary · cadmium yellow · alizarin crimson · ivory black

Mix various shades of gray and blue for the sky and distant mountains. Use burnt umber and yellow ochre for the rocks, adding touches of alizarin crimson for warmth. Mix greens by combining yellow ochre, ultramarine blue, and a touch of burnt umber.

techniques

·atmospheric perspective
·layering
·dry brushing
·blending
·scumbling

common pitfalls

→Overworking the clouds, resulting in a muddy or flat appearance.
→Failing to create a sense of depth in the landscape.
→Using colors that are too saturated, resulting in an unrealistic look.
→Ignoring the subtle value changes in the rocks and vegetation.

materials

surface · stretched canvas

required

·stretched canvas 18x24
·oil paints (ultramarine blue, titanium white, burnt umber, yellow ochre, alizarin crimson, cadmium yellow, ivory black)
·palette
·palette knife
·assorted brushes (round, flat, filbert)
·linseed oil
·turpentine
·rags