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home·artworks·Pedernal
Pedernal by Georgia O'Keeffe

plate no. 3062

Pedernal

Georgia O'Keeffe

oilPrecisionismlandscapemountainlandscapetreesskycloudsdesert
some experience helpful

This painting provides an opportunity to practice layering colors to create depth and atmosphere, as well as simplifying complex forms into geometric shapes. Students can also learn about color temperature and how it affects the overall mood of the painting.

technical profile

palette complexity
3
brushwork visibility
3
value contrast
3
compositional simplicity
4

study guide

est. 8 hrs

approach — 8 steps

  1. step 01

    Lightly sketch the basic shapes of the mountain, horizon line, and foreground elements.

  2. step 02

    Block in the sky with a thin wash of light blue, adding hints of pink and white for the clouds.

  3. step 03

    Paint the mountain using a base of blue, gradually adding darker blues and purples for shadows and lighter pinks and oranges for highlights.

  4. step 04

    Establish the distant plains with a muted beige tone, adding small dark green shapes to represent distant trees.

  5. step 05

    Paint the foreground trees with a mix of yellows, greens, and reds, using short, broken brushstrokes to create texture.

  6. step 06

    Add details to the foreground, such as small rocks and patches of grass, using a dry brush technique.

  7. step 07

    Refine the edges of the shapes to create a sense of clarity and precision.

  8. step 08

    Add final highlights and shadows to enhance the depth and dimension of the painting.

color palette

primary · ultramarine blue · yellow ochre · titanium white

secondary · burnt sienna · cadmium yellow · sap green

Mix various shades of blue with white to create the sky and mountain. Use yellow ochre and burnt sienna for the foreground, and mix greens and yellows for the foliage.

techniques

  • ·color layering
  • ·dry brush
  • ·atmospheric perspective
  • ·geometric simplification
  • ·color temperature

common pitfalls

  • →Overworking the colors and losing the freshness of the brushstrokes.
  • →Failing to simplify the shapes and creating too much detail.
  • →Ignoring the importance of atmospheric perspective and creating a flat, unrealistic landscape.
  • →Not paying attention to the color temperature and creating a discordant color scheme.

materials

surface · stretched canvas

required

  • ·stretched canvas
  • ·ultramarine blue oil paint
  • ·yellow ochre oil paint
  • ·titanium white oil paint
  • ·#4 round brush
  • ·#8 flat brush
  • ·palette
  • ·linseed oil

optional

  • ·palette knife
  • ·medium gloss
  • ·easel

Use high-quality oil paints for best results. Consider using a pre-primed canvas to save time.

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related guides

oil painting for beginners →how to learn by studying the masters →
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