plate no. 8979

On the slopes of Mount Etna

oil, canvasRealismlandscapetreesforestlandscapefoliagelightshadow

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in layering colors to create depth and using brushstrokes to suggest texture. It also provides practice in observing and painting the effects of light filtering through trees.

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 trees and the horizon line.
step 02
Establish the dark underpainting using burnt umber or a similar dark brown.
step 03
Begin layering in the darker greens and browns of the foliage, varying the tones slightly.
step 04
Add highlights to the trees and foliage using lighter greens, yellows, and browns.
step 05
Paint the ground cover with a mix of browns, oranges, and greens, paying attention to the play of light and shadow.
step 06
Refine the details of the trees, adding texture and definition to the bark.
step 07
Add final touches to the foliage, creating a sense of depth and complexity.
step 08
Glaze with thin layers to unify the colors and create atmosphere.

color palette

primary · burnt umber · sap green · yellow ochre · titanium white

secondary · cadmium yellow · ultramarine blue · raw sienna

Mix greens by combining sap green, yellow ochre, and ultramarine blue. Achieve earth tones by mixing burnt umber with yellow ochre and white. Use thin glazes of color to create depth and atmosphere.

techniques