plate no. 0349
The West Wind
Tom Thomson, 1917
some experience helpful
Recreating this painting will help students understand how to simplify complex scenes into basic shapes and practice layering brushstrokes to create texture and depth. It also provides practice in mixing colors to achieve a harmonious and atmospheric effect.
technical profile
palette complexity
3
brushwork visibility
4
value contrast
3
compositional simplicity
3
study guide
est. 10 hrsapproach — 8 steps
- step 01
Sketch the basic composition, focusing on the placement of the tree and the horizon line.
- step 02
Block in the large shapes of the sky, water, and land with thin washes of color.
- step 03
Start building up the colors in the sky, using short, broken brushstrokes to create the cloud formations.
- step 04
Add details to the water, using horizontal strokes to suggest movement and reflections.
- step 05
Paint the tree trunk and branches, paying attention to the curves and angles.
- step 06
Add the dark masses of foliage, using a variety of brushstrokes to create texture.
- step 07
Refine the details of the foreground rocks and vegetation.
- step 08
Add final highlights and shadows to enhance the sense of depth and atmosphere.
color palette
primary · burnt sienna · ultramarine blue · titanium white · yellow ochre
secondary · viridian green · alizarin crimson · ivory black
Mix ultramarine blue and burnt sienna for the dark tree foliage. Use white to lighten the blues and ochres for the sky. Mix alizarin crimson with burnt sienna for the reddish-brown tones in the tree trunk and rocks.
techniques
- ·broken color
- ·scumbling
- ·wet-on-dry layering
- ·impasto
- ·color mixing
common pitfalls
- →Overworking the details and losing the overall sense of atmosphere.
- →Using too much paint and creating a muddy effect.
- →Failing to capture the movement and energy of the scene.
- →Not simplifying the shapes enough, making the painting look too busy.
materials
surface · stretched canvas
required
- ·stretched canvas 16x20
- ·oil paints (burnt sienna, ultramarine blue, titanium white, yellow ochre, viridian green, alizarin crimson, ivory black)
- ·palette
- ·palette knife
- ·assorted brushes (round and flat)
- ·linseed oil
- ·turpentine or odorless mineral spirits
- ·rags
optional
- ·painting medium (e.g., Liquin)
- ·easel
- ·varnish
Use artist-grade oil paints for best results. A medium-textured canvas will provide a good surface for the brushwork.
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