plate no. 5240

Storm by a Lake

Pierre-Henri de Valenciennes, 1780

oilNeoclassicismlandscapelakestormcloudslandscapebuildinghills

study guide

est. 8 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Sketch the basic composition, focusing on the horizon line and major shapes of the hills and clouds.
step 02
Establish the darkest and lightest values to create a value map.
step 03
Block in the sky with broad strokes, blending the dark storm clouds with the lighter areas.
step 04
Paint the distant hills, using lighter and cooler tones to create atmospheric perspective.
step 05
Add the details of the building, keeping it simple and muted.
step 06
Paint the lake, reflecting the colors of the sky and hills.
step 07
Add the foreground details, such as the vegetation and shoreline.
step 08
Refine the details and adjust the values to create a cohesive and atmospheric painting.

color palette

primary · ultramarine blue · burnt umber · titanium white

secondary · yellow ochre · raw sienna

Mix blues and browns with white to create the various shades of gray in the sky and hills. Use yellow ochre and raw sienna to add warmth to the foreground.

techniques