plate no. 4646
Paysage de montagne
some experience helpful
This painting helps develop skills in simplifying complex forms into geometric shapes and understanding atmospheric perspective through subtle value changes. Students will learn to mix muted colors and create depth using layering and value contrast.
technical profile
palette complexity
3
brushwork visibility
4
value contrast
3
compositional simplicity
3
study guide
est. 8 hrsapproach — 8 steps
- step 01
Sketch the basic mountain shapes and the horizon line, paying attention to the overall composition.
- step 02
Block in the sky with a light gray-blue mixture, leaving some areas lighter for clouds.
- step 03
Establish the darkest values in the foreground hills using a dark green-brown mixture.
- step 04
Begin layering in the mountain forms, working from dark to light, using a limited palette of grays, browns, and blues.
- step 05
Mix varying shades of gray and apply them to the mountain faces, suggesting planes and shadows.
- step 06
Add highlights to the mountain peaks and ridges to create a sense of depth and dimension.
- step 07
Paint the small figure in the foreground using dark, muted colors.
- step 08
Refine the details and adjust the values to create a cohesive and atmospheric landscape.
color palette
primary · titanium white · raw umber · ultramarine blue
secondary · yellow ochre · burnt sienna
Mix grays by combining white, raw umber, and a touch of blue. Add yellow ochre or burnt sienna to warm the grays for the foreground. Use more blue in the grays for distant mountains.
techniques
- ·blocking in
- ·layering
- ·dry brushing
- ·atmospheric perspective
- ·geometric simplification
common pitfalls
- →Overworking the details and losing the simplified geometric forms.
- →Creating too much contrast, which can flatten the image.
- →Using colors that are too bright or saturated.
- →Ignoring the atmospheric perspective, which can make the mountains appear flat.
materials
surface · stretched canvas
required
- ·stretched canvas
- ·oil paints (titanium white, raw umber, ultramarine blue, yellow ochre, burnt sienna)
- ·palette
- ·palette knife
- ·assorted brushes (flat and round)
- ·linseed oil
- ·odorless mineral spirits
- ·rags
optional
- ·painting medium (e.g., Liquin)
- ·easel
- ·varnish
Use a medium-grain canvas for best results. Allow each layer to dry slightly before applying the next.
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