plate no. 7207

The Approaching Storm

oilRococolandscapelandscapetreesfigureshorseskydog

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in depicting atmospheric perspective and creating a sense of movement through brushwork. Students will also learn to simplify complex forms into basic shapes.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 12 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Sketch the basic composition, focusing on the horizon line and placement of major elements.
step 02
Block in the sky with light blues and grays, suggesting cloud formations.
step 03
Establish the dark masses of the trees and foliage using dark greens and browns.
step 04
Paint the figures and horse with simplified shapes, paying attention to their movement.
step 05
Add the highlights and shadows to create depth and form.
step 06
Refine the details of the trees and foliage, using broken brushstrokes to suggest texture.
step 07
Add the final details, such as the reflections in the water and the highlights on the figures.
step 08
Glaze with thin washes to unify the colors and create atmospheric perspective.

color palette

primary · ultramarine blue · burnt umber · yellow ochre

secondary · titanium white · cadmium red

Mix various shades of green by combining yellow ochre and burnt umber with small amounts of blue. Create atmospheric perspective by adding white to colors as they recede into the distance.

techniques

·dry brushing
·scumbling
·glazing
·atmospheric perspective
·broken color

common pitfalls

→Overworking the details and losing the overall impression.
→Creating colors that are too saturated and unnatural.
→Failing to establish a clear focal point.
→Ignoring the principles of atmospheric perspective.

materials

surface · stretched canvas

required

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