plate no. 8671
On the Long Mynd, Church Stretton
David Bates, 1907
some experience helpful
Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in atmospheric perspective and layering techniques to create depth. It also provides practice in rendering realistic tree bark and foliage.
technical profile
palette complexity
4
brushwork visibility
3
value contrast
3
compositional simplicity
3
study guide
est. 12 hrsapproach — 8 steps
- step 01
Sketch the basic composition, focusing on the placement of the trees, figures, and path.
- step 02
Establish the sky with light blues and grays, blending softly.
- step 03
Block in the distant mountains and background trees with muted colors.
- step 04
Paint the larger trees in the foreground, paying attention to the light and shadow on the bark.
- step 05
Add the foliage using a variety of greens, browns, and yellows, layering to create depth.
- step 06
Paint the figures, focusing on their basic shapes and colors.
- step 07
Add details to the foreground, such as grass, leaves, and small branches.
- step 08
Refine the overall painting, adjusting values and colors as needed.
color palette
primary · sap green · raw umber · titanium white · cerulean blue
secondary · yellow ochre · burnt sienna · payne's gray
Mix greens by combining sap green with yellow ochre or raw umber for variations. Use white to lighten colors and create atmospheric perspective. Mix Payne's gray with other colors to create muted tones for the background.
techniques
- ·layering
- ·blending
- ·dry brushing
- ·atmospheric perspective
- ·scumbling
common pitfalls
- →Overworking the details in the background, which can flatten the image.
- →Using too much bright green, which can make the painting look unnatural.
- →Neglecting the importance of value contrast in creating depth.
- →Making the figures too detailed, which can distract from the overall scene.
materials
surface · stretched canvas
required
- ·stretched canvas
- ·oil paints
- ·round brushes
- ·flat brushes
- ·palette
- ·linseed oil
- ·turpentine
- ·palette knife
optional
- ·painting medium
- ·easel
- ·rags
- ·varnish
Use a medium-grain canvas for best results. Consider using a painting medium to improve the flow and blending of the oil paints.
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