plate no. 1441
Summer
Hans Heysen, 1909
some experience helpful
Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in atmospheric perspective and creating depth through layering washes. Students will also learn to simplify complex forms and capture the essence of light and shadow.
technical profile
palette complexity
4
brushwork visibility
3
value contrast
3
compositional simplicity
3
study guide
est. 12 hrsapproach — 8 steps
- step 01
Lightly sketch the main shapes: trees, sheep, and horizon line.
- step 02
Apply a light wash of diluted yellow ochre and burnt sienna to the sky and distant hills.
- step 03
Add a slightly darker wash of the same colors to the foreground, leaving some areas lighter for highlights.
- step 04
Begin layering washes on the trees, using a mix of green, brown, and grey to create depth and form.
- step 05
Paint the sheep with simple shapes, using light and shadow to define their forms.
- step 06
Add details to the trees, such as branches and leaves, using a fine brush.
- step 07
Strengthen the shadows and highlights to create contrast and dimension.
- step 08
Add final details, such as small rocks and blades of grass, to complete the painting.
color palette
primary · yellow ochre · burnt sienna · raw umber
secondary · sap green · Payne's gray · titanium white
Mix yellow ochre and burnt sienna for the warm tones of the landscape. Use Payne's gray to create shadows and atmospheric perspective. Mix sap green with raw umber for natural-looking foliage.
techniques
- ·atmospheric perspective
- ·layering washes
- ·dry brush
- ·glazing
- ·scumbling
common pitfalls
- →Overworking the details and losing the overall sense of light and atmosphere.
- →Making the colors too saturated and unrealistic.
- →Failing to create enough depth and dimension in the landscape.
- →Not simplifying the forms of the trees and sheep enough.
materials
surface · watercolor paper 140lb
required
- ·watercolor paper 140lb
- ·watercolor paints
- ·round brushes (sizes 2, 6, 10)
- ·flat brush (1 inch)
- ·palette
- ·water container
- ·paper towels
- ·masking tape
optional
- ·palette knife
- ·gouache
- ·watercolor pencils
Use high-quality watercolor paints for best results. Experiment with different brushes to achieve different effects.
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