plate no. 5780
Tanglewood
Ivan Eyre, 1973
some experience helpful
Recreating this painting will help students understand layering techniques to create depth and how to use a limited color palette to achieve a harmonious landscape. It also encourages the simplification of complex forms into basic shapes.
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, dividing the canvas into foreground, middle ground, and background.
- step 02
Establish the horizon line and the general shapes of the hills and tree masses.
- step 03
Apply a base layer of dark green to the foreground and gradually lighten the values towards the background.
- step 04
Begin layering different shades of green, using short, textured brushstrokes to represent foliage.
- step 05
Add highlights with lighter greens and yellows to create a sense of depth and sunlight.
- step 06
Define individual trees and branches with darker greens and browns, paying attention to their shapes and placement.
- step 07
Paint the sky with a thin wash of light blue or gray.
- step 08
Add final details such as small branches, highlights, and shadows to enhance the realism of the landscape.
color palette
primary · viridian green · yellow ochre · ultramarine blue
secondary · burnt umber · titanium white
Mix various shades of green by combining viridian green with yellow ochre and ultramarine blue. Use burnt umber to darken the greens and create shadows. Add titanium white to lighten the colors and create highlights.
techniques
- ·dry brushing
- ·layering
- ·scumbling
- ·color mixing
- ·atmospheric perspective
common pitfalls
- →Overworking the details and losing the overall sense of unity.
- →Using too many colors and creating a chaotic palette.
- →Failing to establish a clear value structure and losing the sense of depth.
- →Ignoring the importance of brushstroke texture and creating a flat, lifeless surface.
materials
surface · stretched canvas
required
- ·stretched canvas
- ·acrylic paints (viridian green, yellow ochre, ultramarine blue, burnt umber, titanium white)
- ·assorted brushes (flat, round)
- ·palette
- ·water container
- ·palette knife
- ·painting medium (optional)
- ·soft cloth
optional
- ·retarder medium
- ·easel
- ·varnish
Use good quality acrylic paints for best results. Experiment with different brush sizes and shapes to achieve various textures.
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