plate no. 9145
The cypresses (Cassis)
Rupert Bunny, 1931
study guide
est. 8 hrsapproach — 8 steps
- step 01
Sketch the basic composition, focusing on the placement of the trees, buildings, and horizon line.
- step 02
Establish the sky and distant hills with thin washes of color.
- step 03
Block in the larger shapes of the trees and foliage using a variety of greens and browns.
- step 04
Add the buildings, paying attention to their form and how they sit within the landscape.
- step 05
Develop the foreground trees with more detail, using visible brushstrokes to create texture.
- step 06
Refine the colors and values throughout the painting, adding highlights and shadows to create depth.
- step 07
Add the small details, such as branches and leaves, to bring the painting to life.
- step 08
Make final adjustments to the overall composition and color balance.
color palette
primary · viridian green · yellow ochre · ultramarine blue
secondary · burnt umber · titanium white · cadmium yellow
Mix greens by combining blues and yellows, and create earth tones by mixing browns with blues and yellows. Use white to lighten colors and create highlights.
techniques
- ·broken color
- ·layering
- ·scumbling
- ·atmospheric perspective
- ·alla prima
common pitfalls
- →Overworking the details and losing the freshness of the brushstrokes.
- →Creating muddy colors by overmixing.
- →Failing to establish a clear sense of depth and perspective.
- →Not varying the brushstrokes enough to create texture and interest.
materials
surface · stretched canvas
required
- ·stretched canvas 12x16
- ·oil paints
- ·round brushes (sizes 2, 6, 8)
- ·flat brushes (sizes 4, 10)
- ·palette
- ·palette knife
- ·linseed oil
- ·odorless mineral spirits
optional
- ·painting medium
- ·easel
- ·rags
Use a medium-tooth canvas for best results. Consider using a glazing medium to enhance the depth and luminosity of the colors.
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