Pastoral Scene in Herefordshire

Begin with a light sketch outlining the major shapes: the horizon line, the river's path, the placement of the trees, figures, and distant hills.

Establish the sky with soft, blended washes of blue, gray, and white, creating a sense of atmospheric perspective.

Block in the distant hills with muted greens and blues, gradually increasing the intensity of the colors as you move towards the foreground.

Paint the large masses of trees, focusing on capturing the overall shapes and values rather than individual leaves. Use a variety of greens, browns, and yellows to create depth and texture.

Add the river, paying attention to the reflections of the trees and sky. Use horizontal brushstrokes to suggest the movement of the water.

Paint the figures and sheep, simplifying the details and focusing on their overall shapes and placement within the scene.

Add details to the foreground, such as the plants, rocks, and reflections in the small pool of water. Use smaller brushes to create finer details.

Refine the painting by adjusting the values, colors, and details as needed. Step back frequently to assess your progress and make corrections.