plate no. 4587

The Line Storm

John Steuart Curry, 1935

oilRegionalismlandscapelandscapestormcloudshorsesfarmlightning

some experience helpful

This piece helps students develop skills in creating dramatic value contrasts and using hatching and cross-hatching to build form and texture. It also provides practice in depicting atmospheric perspective and creating a sense of depth.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 12 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Lightly sketch the main compositional elements: horizon line, major landforms, and the hay wagon.
step 02
Establish the darkest areas of the storm clouds using dense hatching and cross-hatching.
step 03
Gradually build up the values in the sky and landscape, using lighter hatching to indicate areas of lighter tone.
step 04
Add details to the hay wagon, horses, and figures, paying attention to their forms and proportions.
step 05
Depict the lightning strikes with sharp, clean lines, using white or a very light value.
step 06
Refine the details in the foreground, adding texture to the grass and foliage.
step 07
Adjust the overall values to create a sense of depth and atmosphere.
step 08
Add final touches and highlights to enhance the drama of the scene.

color palette

primary · black · white

secondary · gray

Vary the intensity of black by diluting it with water or mixing with white to create shades of gray.

techniques

·hatching
·cross-hatching
·value gradation
·atmospheric perspective
·linear perspective

common pitfalls

→Failing to establish a strong value range, resulting in a flat or muddy image.
→Overworking the details, leading to a cluttered and confusing composition.
→Inconsistent hatching direction, creating a distracting visual texture.
→Ignoring the principles of perspective, resulting in a distorted or unrealistic depiction of space.

materials

surface · Drawing paper (smooth or slightly textured)

required

·Graphite pencils (HB, 2B, 4B)
·Eraser
·Drawing paper (smooth or slightly textured)
·Ruler
·Kneaded eraser
·Blending stump

optional

·Tortillon
·Sandpaper block
·Fixative spray

Experiment with different grades of graphite pencils to achieve a range of values. Use a light touch when sketching the initial composition to avoid making permanent marks.

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