plate no. 1389
The everlasting hills
Julian Ashton, 1904
some experience helpful
Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in atmospheric perspective and layering techniques to create depth. It also provides practice in capturing the subtle color variations in natural light.
technical profile
palette complexity
4
brushwork visibility
4
value contrast
3
compositional simplicity
3
study guide
est. 12 hrsapproach — 8 steps
- step 01
Prepare the canvas with a neutral ground.
- step 02
Sketch the basic composition, focusing on the horizon line and major shapes of the hills, trees, and river.
- step 03
Block in the large areas of color, starting with the sky and distant hills, using thin washes.
- step 04
Layer in the mid-ground trees and foliage, gradually adding more detail and texture.
- step 05
Paint the river, capturing the reflections and subtle color variations.
- step 06
Add the figures and other small details in the foreground.
- step 07
Refine the values and colors, paying attention to the light and shadow.
- step 08
Add final highlights and details to create a sense of depth and realism.
color palette
primary · yellow ochre · burnt umber · sap green · titanium white
secondary · ultramarine blue · cadmium yellow · raw sienna
Mix greens by blending sap green, yellow ochre, and ultramarine blue. Achieve atmospheric perspective by adding white to colors for distant objects.
techniques
- ·layering
- ·scumbling
- ·dry brushing
- ·atmospheric perspective
- ·color mixing
common pitfalls
- →Overworking the details too early in the process.
- →Failing to establish a clear value structure.
- →Using colors that are too saturated, especially in the distance.
- →Ignoring the subtle color variations in the light and shadow.
materials
surface · stretched canvas
required
- ·stretched canvas 18x24
- ·acrylic or oil paints
- ·round brushes (sizes 2, 4, 6)
- ·flat brushes (sizes 4, 8)
- ·palette
- ·palette knife
- ·linseed oil (if using oil paints)
- ·odorless mineral spirits (for cleaning brushes)
optional
- ·medium gloss
- ·easel
- ·painting rags
Use a limited palette to simplify color mixing and create a more harmonious painting.
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