plate no. 8257

Sandy Path

C. R. W. Nevinson, 1919

oilCubismlandscapelandscapehillspathskytreesclouds

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in atmospheric perspective and using brushstrokes to define form and texture. It's a good exercise in simplifying a landscape into basic shapes and values.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 8 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Sketch the basic shapes of the hills, path, and sky, paying attention to the horizon line.
step 02
Block in the sky with broad strokes of gray and white, creating a sense of depth and movement.
step 03
Establish the base colors for the hills, using a mix of greens, browns, and yellows.
step 04
Define the path with lighter, sandy tones, creating contrast with the surrounding hills.
step 05
Add details to the trees, using darker greens and browns to create texture and depth.
step 06
Refine the shapes and values of the hills, adding highlights and shadows to create form.
step 07
Blend the edges of the brushstrokes to create a sense of atmosphere and unity.
step 08
Add final details, such as subtle variations in color and texture, to enhance the overall effect.

color palette

primary · ultramarine blue · raw umber · titanium white · yellow ochre

secondary · burnt sienna · sap green

Mix various shades of gray for the sky by combining ultramarine blue, raw umber, and titanium white. Achieve the greens for the hills by mixing yellow ochre, ultramarine blue, and a touch of burnt sienna. Use titanium white to lighten and create highlights.

techniques

·dry brush texture
·atmospheric perspective
·scumbling
·color mixing
·blocking in

common pitfalls

→Overworking the details and losing the overall sense of atmosphere.
→Failing to establish a clear value structure, resulting in a flat and uninteresting painting.
→Using colors straight from the tube without mixing them, leading to a lack of harmony.
→Ignoring the importance of edges and failing to blend them properly.