plate no. 3562

Parkland

oilRomanticismlandscapetreeslandscapeparkfoliagelightwoods

some experience helpful

This painting provides a good opportunity to practice layering washes and creating depth with watercolor. Students will also develop skills in painting trees and capturing the effect of light filtering through foliage.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 6 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Lightly sketch the main tree trunks and horizon line.
step 02
Apply a very diluted wash of yellow ochre across the entire paper for a warm undertone.
step 03
Begin layering washes of burnt sienna and raw umber to establish the darker areas of the trees and foreground.
step 04
Add details to the tree trunks and branches using a fine brush and darker shades of brown.
step 05
Use a slightly drier brush to create texture in the foreground and foliage.
step 06
Lift color with a clean, damp brush to create highlights and suggest light filtering through the trees.
step 07
Add final details and shadows to enhance the depth and realism of the scene.
step 08
Allow to dry completely.

color palette

primary · yellow ochre · burnt sienna · raw umber

secondary · payne's gray · white (for lifting color)

Mix burnt sienna and raw umber for darker browns. Use yellow ochre diluted for highlights. Payne's gray can be added in small amounts to darken shadows.

techniques