plate no. 0116
Summer Landscape
study guide
est. 8 hrsapproach — 8 steps
- step 01
Sketch the basic composition, noting the placement of trees, buildings, and horizon line.
- step 02
Establish the sky with broad strokes of muted blues and grays.
- step 03
Block in the general shapes of the trees and buildings with simplified colors.
- step 04
Begin layering colors within the trees to create depth and variation in the foliage.
- step 05
Add shadows to the ground and buildings, paying attention to the direction of light.
- step 06
Refine the details of the trees, adding smaller branches and leaves with expressive brushstrokes.
- step 07
Adjust the overall color balance and value contrast to create a sense of atmosphere.
- step 08
Add final details and highlights to complete the painting.
color palette
primary · yellow ochre · burnt sienna · ultramarine blue · titanium white
secondary · cadmium red · viridian green · raw umber
Achieve the muted tones by mixing complementary colors (e.g., blue and orange) with white. Use yellow ochre and burnt sienna for warm highlights, and ultramarine blue with raw umber for cooler shadows.
techniques
- ·broken color
- ·dry brushing
- ·scumbling
- ·layering
- ·atmospheric perspective
common pitfalls
- →Overworking the details
- →Creating muddy colors
- →Ignoring the direction of light
- →Failing to establish a clear focal point
materials
surface · stretched canvas
required
- ·stretched canvas
- ·oil paints
- ·palette
- ·palette knife
- ·assorted brushes
- ·linseed oil
- ·turpentine
optional
- ·painting medium
- ·easel
- ·rags
- ·viewfinder
Use a medium-grit canvas for better texture. Consider using a limited palette to simplify color mixing.
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