plate no. 0707
Springtime, San Gabriel Valley
some experience helpful
This painting provides practice in layering colors to create depth and atmosphere, and in using visible brushstrokes to build texture and form. Students will also learn to simplify complex landscapes into manageable shapes and color blocks.
technical profile
palette complexity
4
brushwork visibility
4
value contrast
3
compositional simplicity
3
study guide
est. 12 hrsapproach — 8 steps
- step 01
Sketch the basic composition, focusing on the placement of the mountains, trees, and path.
- step 02
Block in the sky with light blues and whites, blending softly.
- step 03
Establish the mountain masses with cool blues and grays, indicating shadows and highlights.
- step 04
Paint the distant valley with muted greens and browns, suggesting atmospheric perspective.
- step 05
Block in the green hills with a mix of greens, yellows, and browns, varying the tones to create depth.
- step 06
Add the dark green trees, using vertical brushstrokes to suggest their form.
- step 07
Paint the path with warm yellows and browns, adding shadows to define its shape.
- step 08
Add the blue flowers in the foreground, using short, broken brushstrokes to create texture.
color palette
primary · cerulean blue · yellow ochre · sap green · titanium white
secondary · ultramarine blue · burnt umber · cadmium yellow
Mix greens by combining blues and yellows, and vary the tones by adding white or burnt umber. Achieve atmospheric perspective by adding white to distant colors.
techniques
- ·broken color
- ·layering
- ·atmospheric perspective
- ·scumbling
- ·impasto
common pitfalls
- →Overworking the details and losing the impressionistic feel.
- →Creating muddy colors by over-mixing.
- →Failing to establish a clear sense of depth.
- →Making the foreground too dominant and distracting from the overall scene.
materials
surface · stretched canvas
required
- ·stretched canvas 18x24
- ·acrylic or oil paints
- ·round brushes sizes 2, 6, 8
- ·flat brush size 10
- ·palette
- ·palette knife
- ·linseed oil (if using oil paints)
- ·odorless mineral spirits (if using oil paints)
optional
- ·painting medium
- ·easel
- ·rags
Use a limited palette to simplify color mixing. Consider using a toned canvas to establish a base color.
tips & new artworks in your inbox
no spam — unsubscribe anytime.
or to save artworks, chat, and track progress
related guides
in this vein
