plate no. 8260
The Lost Cause
Henry Mosler, 1868
some experience helpful
Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in rendering realistic textures like wood and stone, as well as creating atmospheric perspective in landscapes. It also provides practice in depicting the human figure in a natural setting.
technical profile
palette complexity
4
brushwork visibility
3
value contrast
3
compositional simplicity
3
study guide
est. 15 hrsapproach — 8 steps
- step 01
Sketch the basic composition, focusing on the placement of the cabin and figure.
- step 02
Block in the main areas of color: sky, grass, cabin, and figure.
- step 03
Begin adding details to the cabin, focusing on the texture of the wood and stone.
- step 04
Develop the landscape, paying attention to atmospheric perspective by lightening and blurring distant elements.
- step 05
Refine the figure, adding details to the clothing and facial features.
- step 06
Add highlights and shadows to create depth and dimension.
- step 07
Paint the details of the foliage and grass.
- step 08
Add final touches and adjust colors as needed.
color palette
primary · ultramarine blue · burnt umber · raw sienna · titanium white
secondary · yellow ochre · sap green · cadmium red
Mix various shades of brown and gray for the cabin and figure. Use blue and white for the sky, adding a touch of red for warmth. Create greens by mixing blue, yellow, and brown.
techniques
- ·glazing
- ·scumbling
- ·dry brushing
- ·atmospheric perspective
- ·rendering textures
common pitfalls
- →Getting the proportions of the cabin wrong.
- →Making the colors too saturated.
- →Failing to create a sense of depth.
- →Overworking the details.
materials
surface · stretched canvas
required
- ·stretched canvas 18x24
- ·oil paints
- ·palette
- ·palette knife
- ·assorted brushes (round and flat)
- ·linseed oil
- ·turpentine
- ·rags
optional
- ·painting medium
- ·easel
- ·varnish
Use a medium-grit canvas for better texture. Consider using a limited palette to simplify color mixing.
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