plate no. 3337

Thunderstorm

oil, panelBiedermeierlandscapehousetreeswaterfigurelandscapesky

some experience helpful

This painting is great for learning how to create atmospheric perspective and how to suggest detail rather than rendering every leaf or brick. It also provides practice in mixing muted colors and creating a sense of depth through layering.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 8 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Sketch the basic shapes of the house, trees, and water, paying attention to the overall composition.
step 02
Block in the sky with a thin wash of muted purple and brown.
step 03
Establish the dark values of the trees and foliage using a mix of burnt umber and ultramarine blue.
step 04
Paint the house, starting with the roof, using a mix of yellow ochre and burnt sienna.
step 05
Add the lighter values to the house and the reflections in the water with titanium white.
step 06
Develop the details of the foliage and the figures, using small brushstrokes and varying the color temperature.
step 07
Refine the reflections in the water, paying attention to the distortion and movement.
step 08
Add final highlights and shadows to create depth and dimension.

color palette

primary · burnt umber · yellow ochre · titanium white

secondary · ultramarine blue · burnt sienna

Mix burnt umber and ultramarine blue for dark greens and browns. Use yellow ochre and burnt sienna for the house and foliage. Add titanium white to lighten colors and create highlights.

techniques