plate no. 1663
Thorn Trees on a Breconshire Hillside
some experience helpful
Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in atmospheric perspective and rendering soft, diffused light. It also provides practice in depicting textures of foliage and animal fur.
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, including the horizon line, main tree, and placement of the sheep.
- step 02
Establish the sky with broad strokes, blending blues and whites for a soft, cloudy effect.
- step 03
Block in the distant hills with muted greens and blues, paying attention to atmospheric perspective.
- step 04
Lay in the base colors for the foreground field, using a mix of greens, yellows, and browns.
- step 05
Add details to the tree, focusing on the shapes of the branches and the masses of white blossoms.
- step 06
Paint the sheep, starting with the overall shape and then adding details like wool texture and shadows.
- step 07
Refine the foreground details, including grass, flowers, and shadows.
- step 08
Add final highlights and details to the entire painting, ensuring a cohesive and harmonious result.
color palette
primary · ultramarine blue · yellow ochre · titanium white · burnt umber
secondary · sap green · cadmium yellow · raw sienna
Mix greens by combining yellow ochre, ultramarine blue, and a touch of burnt umber. Achieve the soft whites of the blossoms by mixing titanium white with small amounts of yellow ochre and ultramarine blue.
techniques
- ·atmospheric perspective
- ·scumbling
- ·dry brushing
- ·glazing
- ·broken color
common pitfalls
- →Overworking the details too early in the process.
- →Creating harsh lines or edges instead of soft transitions.
- →Failing to establish a clear sense of depth and perspective.
- →Using colors that are too saturated or bright.
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-tooth canvas for better texture. Consider using a glazing medium to enhance the depth and luminosity of the colors.
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