plate no. 2522

Summer in the Downs

C. R. W. Nevinson, 1946

oilExpressionismlandscapelandscapehillstreesskyfieldsgrass

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students understand atmospheric perspective and how to simplify complex landscapes into basic shapes and color blocks. It also provides practice in layering and blending colors to create depth and texture.

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 and horizon line, paying attention to the overall composition.
step 02
Block in the sky with light blue and gray tones, blending softly.
step 03
Apply a base layer of green and yellow to the foreground field, establishing the overall tone.
step 04
Add darker greens and browns to create shadows and define the contours of the hills.
step 05
Paint the trees with dark greens and blues, suggesting foliage with short, broken brushstrokes.
step 06
Introduce warmer colors (yellows, oranges, reds) to the middle ground to create depth.
step 07
Add small details like wildflowers in the foreground with light touches of white, yellow, and pink.
step 08
Refine the overall painting by adjusting values and adding highlights to create a sense of light and atmosphere.

color palette

primary · yellow ochre · sap green · ultramarine blue

secondary · burnt umber · titanium white · cadmium yellow

Mix greens by combining yellow ochre and ultramarine blue. Achieve lighter values by adding titanium white. Use burnt umber to darken greens and create shadows.

techniques

·layering
·blending
·broken color
·atmospheric perspective
·scumbling

common pitfalls

→Overworking the details in the foreground, losing the overall sense of depth.
→Using colors that are too saturated, creating a harsh or unnatural look.
→Failing to establish a clear value structure, resulting in a flat or muddy painting.
→Not simplifying the landscape into basic shapes, leading to a cluttered composition.

materials

surface · stretched canvas

required

·stretched canvas 12x16
·acrylic or oil paints
·round brushes (#2, #6)
·flat brush (#8)
·palette
·palette knife
·linseed oil (if using oils)
·odorless mineral spirits (if using oils)

optional

·easel
·medium gloss
·rags

Use a limited palette of colors to simplify the mixing process. Consider using a toned canvas to establish a base color and create a more unified look.

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