plate no. 7844
Summer landscape
Volodymyr Orlovsky, 1877
some experience helpful
This painting provides an opportunity to practice creating depth through atmospheric perspective and rendering reflections in water. Students can also develop their skills in depicting foliage and varied textures using brushwork.
technical profile
palette complexity
3
brushwork visibility
3
value contrast
3
compositional simplicity
3
study guide
est. 12 hrsapproach — 8 steps
- step 01
Sketch the basic composition, focusing on the placement of the river, trees, and bridge.
- step 02
Block in the large shapes of color for the sky, land, and water.
- step 03
Establish the darkest and lightest values to create a sense of depth.
- step 04
Begin adding details to the trees, focusing on the variations in color and texture.
- step 05
Develop the reflections in the water, paying attention to the distortion and color.
- step 06
Refine the details of the riverbank and foreground, adding texture and interest.
- step 07
Add highlights and shadows to enhance the form of the trees and land.
- step 08
Make final adjustments to the colors and values to create a cohesive and harmonious painting.
color palette
primary · yellow ochre · sap green · ultramarine blue · burnt umber
secondary · titanium white · raw sienna · cadmium yellow
Mix greens by combining sap green with yellow ochre or cadmium yellow. Create earth tones by mixing burnt umber with yellow ochre and a touch of blue. Use white to lighten colors and create atmospheric perspective.
techniques
- ·layering
- ·blending
- ·dry brushing
- ·atmospheric perspective
- ·rendering reflections
common pitfalls
- →Overworking the details and losing the overall sense of atmosphere.
- →Failing to create a convincing sense of depth.
- →Making the reflections too literal and not distorted enough.
- →Using colors that are too saturated and not muted enough.
materials
surface · stretched canvas
required
- ·stretched canvas
- ·acrylic or oil paints
- ·round brushes
- ·flat brushes
- ·palette
- ·palette knife
- ·linseed oil (if using oil paints)
- ·mineral spirits or turpentine (for cleaning brushes)
optional
- ·painting medium
- ·easel
- ·rags
Use a medium-grain canvas for best results. Acrylics will dry faster, while oils allow for more blending time.
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