plate no. 0724

Sunset Glow (aka Sunset in the High Sierras)

oilImpressionismlandscapemountainstreeslandscapeskyfoliagesunset

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in layering colors to create depth and atmosphere, as well as using expressive brushstrokes to capture texture and light.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 12 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Lightly sketch the basic shapes of the mountains, trees, and foreground.
step 02
Block in the sky with a thin wash of yellow and orange, blending the colors.
step 03
Establish the dark blue-purple tones of the distant mountains and valley.
step 04
Begin layering pinks and purples on the mountains to suggest sunlight and form.
step 05
Add details to the foreground trees and foliage using short, broken brushstrokes.
step 06
Introduce highlights and shadows to create depth and dimension in the foliage.
step 07
Refine the details of the mountain peaks with touches of white and light pink.
step 08
Add final touches and adjust values to create a sense of atmosphere and harmony.

color palette

primary · yellow ochre · ultramarine blue · alizarin crimson · titanium white

secondary · burnt sienna · viridian green

Mix pinks by combining alizarin crimson and titanium white. Achieve the blue-purple mountain hues by blending ultramarine blue with alizarin crimson and a touch of burnt sienna. Create greens by mixing yellow ochre and viridian green.

techniques

·broken color
·impasto
·scumbling
·layering
·color mixing

common pitfalls

→Overblending colors, resulting in a muddy appearance.
→Failing to establish a strong value structure.
→Getting lost in details too early in the process.
→Not varying brushstrokes enough to create texture and interest.

materials

surface · stretched canvas

required

·stretched canvas 18x24
·oil paints (yellow ochre, ultramarine blue, alizarin crimson, titanium white, burnt sienna, viridian green)
·palette
·palette knife
·assorted brushes (round and flat)
·linseed oil
·odorless mineral spirits
·rags