plate no. 8742
Summer Time
Ralph Hedley, 1904
some experience helpful
Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in atmospheric perspective and color mixing to create a sense of depth and distance. It also provides practice in depicting natural textures using varied brushstrokes.
technical profile
palette complexity
4
brushwork visibility
4
value contrast
3
compositional simplicity
3
study guide
est. 12 hrsapproach — 8 steps
- step 01
Sketch the basic composition, including the horizon line, major landforms, and the arc of the rainbow.
- step 02
Establish the sky and water with broad, blended washes of muted blues and grays.
- step 03
Block in the distant hills and coastline, using progressively darker and more saturated colors as you move towards the foreground.
- step 04
Add the trees and vegetation, focusing on capturing their general shapes and textures with loose brushstrokes.
- step 05
Paint the rainbow using thin, translucent layers of color, blending them softly into the sky.
- step 06
Develop the foreground with more detailed brushwork, adding highlights and shadows to create depth and interest.
- step 07
Refine the details of the trees and vegetation, paying attention to the direction of light and the interplay of colors.
- step 08
Add final touches and highlights to enhance the overall sense of atmosphere and realism.
color palette
primary · ultramarine blue · yellow ochre · burnt umber · titanium white
secondary · cadmium yellow · alizarin crimson · viridian
Achieve the muted tones by mixing complementary colors and adding white. Use thin washes for the sky and build up layers for the landscape.
techniques
- ·atmospheric perspective
- ·broken color
- ·scumbling
- ·dry brushing
- ·glazing
common pitfalls
- →Overworking the details in the foreground
- →Making the rainbow too saturated or opaque
- →Failing to establish a clear sense of depth
- →Using colors that are too bright or artificial
materials
surface · stretched canvas
required
- ·stretched canvas
- ·oil paints
- ·palette
- ·assorted brushes (round and flat)
- ·linseed oil
- ·turpentine or odorless mineral spirits
- ·palette knife
optional
- ·painting medium (e.g., Liquin)
- ·easel
- ·rags
Use a medium-tooth canvas for better texture. Consider using a limited palette to simplify color mixing.
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