plate no. 0797

The White Monk

oilRococolandscapelandscapefigurestreesmountainsskyarchitecture

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in atmospheric perspective and layering to create depth. It will also improve their ability to mix subtle color variations for natural elements like foliage and rocks.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 12 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Sketch the basic composition, focusing on the placement of the major elements: the cliff, the figures, the tree, and the distant mountains.
step 02
Establish the sky with a light blue-gray wash, blending the clouds softly.
step 03
Block in the large shapes of the cliff and the distant landscape with dark greens and browns.
step 04
Add details to the cliff, using a variety of greens and browns to create texture and depth.
step 05
Paint the figures, paying attention to the light and shadow on their clothing.
step 06
Develop the tree in the foreground, using a mix of greens and yellows to create the foliage.
step 07
Refine the details of the distant landscape, using atmospheric perspective to create depth.
step 08
Add final highlights and shadows to the entire painting to create a sense of realism.

color palette

primary · sap green · raw umber · titanium white · ultramarine blue

secondary · yellow ochre · burnt sienna · ivory black

Mix greens by blending sap green with yellow ochre and raw umber. Use ultramarine blue and white to create the sky, adding a touch of raw umber for the clouds. Achieve the muted tones of the landscape by mixing complementary colors.

techniques