plate no. 5677

Old oak

oilRealismlandscapetreeslandscapeskyfoliagehillroots

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in layering colors to create depth and texture, and understanding atmospheric perspective to depict distance.

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 trees, hill, and horizon line.
step 02
Block in the sky with light gray and white, blending for a soft, cloudy effect.
step 03
Establish the dark values of the tree trunks and major branches.
step 04
Begin layering greens and browns for the foliage, varying the shades to create depth.
step 05
Paint the hill with a base of brown and green, adding highlights and shadows to define the form.
step 06
Add details to the roots, using thin lines and varying tones to create texture.
step 07
Refine the foliage, adding highlights and details to individual leaves.
step 08
Adjust the values and colors throughout the painting to create a sense of atmosphere and depth.

color palette

primary · titanium white · burnt umber · sap green

secondary · yellow ochre · ultramarine blue · raw sienna

Mix greens by combining sap green with yellow ochre or burnt umber for variations. Use white to lighten colors and create highlights. Mix blue with white and a touch of umber for the sky.

techniques