plate no. 8324

River valley

oil, panelBaroquelandscapelandscapemountainsriverskyfiguresbuildings

some experience helpful

This painting is a good exercise in atmospheric perspective and creating depth through value changes. Students will also learn to suggest detail rather than rendering every element precisely.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 15 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Lightly sketch the basic shapes of the mountains, river, and foreground elements, paying attention to the overall composition.
step 02
Establish the sky with a base layer of dark blue, blending in some gray and white to suggest clouds.
step 03
Block in the distant mountains with muted greens and blues, using lighter values for areas closer to the horizon.
step 04
Paint the river using a range of blues, greens, and browns, reflecting the colors of the sky and surrounding landscape.
step 05
Develop the foreground with darker values and warmer colors, adding details to the rocks, trees, and figures.
step 06
Use dry brush techniques to create texture on the mountains and rocks.
step 07
Add highlights to the foreground elements to create contrast and draw the viewer's eye.
step 08
Refine the details and blend the colors to create a sense of atmosphere and depth.

color palette

primary · Prussian blue · Burnt umber · Titanium white

secondary · Yellow ochre · Sap green

Mix blues and browns with white to create the muted tones of the mountains and sky. Use yellow ochre and burnt umber to create the warm tones of the foreground rocks and soil. Add a touch of green to the browns for foliage.

techniques

·Atmospheric perspective
·Dry brush
·Glazing
·Scumbling
·Value studies

common pitfalls

→Overworking the details
→Using too much bright color
→Ignoring value relationships
→Creating flat, lifeless areas

materials

surface · Stretched canvas

required

·Stretched canvas 12x16
·Oil paints (Prussian blue, Burnt umber, Titanium white, Yellow ochre, Sap green)
·Round brushes (sizes 2, 4, 6)
·Flat brushes (sizes 4, 8)
·Palette
·Linseed oil
·Odorless mineral spirits
·Rags

optional

·Palette knife
·Retouch varnish
·Medium (Liquin)

Use a canvas with a smooth surface to allow for easier blending. Consider toning the canvas with a thin wash of burnt umber before starting to create a warmer base.

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