plate no. 9780

Sunset

oilRealismlandscapesunsetsnowlandscapebuildingstreessky

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in color mixing for atmospheric perspective and layering brushstrokes to create texture and depth in a winter landscape.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 8 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Sketch the basic composition, focusing on the horizon line and placement of main elements.
step 02
Block in the sky with broad strokes, establishing the gradient from yellow to orange to red.
step 03
Establish the distant hills with muted blues and purples.
step 04
Lay in the base color for the snow-covered ground, a mix of white with hints of blue and green.
step 05
Add the dark masses of trees and buildings, paying attention to their shapes and placement.
step 06
Introduce highlights and shadows on the snow to create depth and form.
step 07
Refine the details of the buildings and trees, using smaller brushstrokes.
step 08
Add final touches to the sky and ground, blending colors and adjusting values as needed.

color palette

primary · yellow ochre · cadmium red · titanium white · ultramarine blue

secondary · burnt umber · viridian green · cadmium orange

Mix white with small amounts of blue and green for the snow. Achieve the sunset colors by blending yellow, orange, and red. Use ultramarine blue and burnt umber to create the dark tones for the trees and buildings.

techniques

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

common pitfalls

→Overworking the snow, making it appear flat and lifeless.
→Using too much pure white, resulting in a harsh and unrealistic look.
→Ignoring the subtle color variations in the sky and ground.
→Failing to create a sense of depth and distance.

materials

surface · stretched canvas

required

·stretched canvas (12x16 inches)
·oil paints (yellow ochre, cadmium red, titanium white, ultramarine blue, burnt umber)
·palette
·assorted brushes (round and flat)
·linseed oil
·turpentine or odorless mineral spirits
·palette knife