plate no. 1418

Study of Trees

oilRomanticismsketch and studytreesskylandscapewaterclouds

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in layering colors to create depth and using brushstrokes to suggest texture, particularly in the foliage and clouds. It also provides practice in simplifying complex forms into basic shapes.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 6 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Lightly sketch the basic shapes of the trees, horizon line, and cloud formations.
step 02
Block in the sky with light blues and grays, blending softly.
step 03
Establish the dark values of the tree trunks and main foliage masses.
step 04
Add mid-tone greens and browns to the foliage, varying the color slightly.
step 05
Paint the distant landscape with muted greens and yellows.
step 06
Add highlights to the foliage and tree branches using lighter greens, yellows, and whites.
step 07
Refine the cloud shapes and add darker shadows to create depth.
step 08
Add final details to the foreground, such as grasses and reflections in the water.

color palette

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

secondary · sap green · raw sienna

Mix greens by combining yellow ochre and ultramarine blue. Use white to lighten values and create highlights. Muted tones are achieved by mixing complementary colors.

techniques