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home·artworks·Thunderstorm landscape with rider
Thunderstorm landscape with rider by Karl Lessing

plate no. 2210

Thunderstorm landscape with rider

Karl Lessing

oilRomanticismlandscapelandscapetreesrocksskyhorsefigure
some experience helpful

This painting allows students to practice atmospheric perspective and rendering realistic textures of rocks and foliage. It also provides an opportunity to study tonal values and create a sense of depth.

technical profile

palette complexity
3
brushwork visibility
3
value contrast
4
compositional simplicity
3

study guide

est. 12 hrs

approach — 8 steps

  1. step 01

    Sketch the basic composition, focusing on the placement of the large rocks, trees, and horizon line.

  2. step 02

    Block in the main areas of color, starting with the sky and distant landscape.

  3. step 03

    Establish the dark values in the foreground rocks and trees.

  4. step 04

    Begin layering in details, such as the foliage of the trees and the texture of the rocks.

  5. step 05

    Add the figure and horse, paying attention to their proportions and placement.

  6. step 06

    Refine the lighting and shadows, creating a sense of depth and atmosphere.

  7. step 07

    Add highlights to the rocks and foliage to create contrast and visual interest.

  8. step 08

    Make final adjustments to the colors and values to achieve a cohesive and balanced composition.

color palette

primary · burnt umber · raw sienna · titanium white · sap green

secondary · ultramarine blue · yellow ochre · cadmium yellow

Mix various shades of brown and green by combining burnt umber, raw sienna, sap green, and titanium white. Use ultramarine blue and white for the sky, and yellow ochre and cadmium yellow for highlights.

techniques

  • ·layering
  • ·blending
  • ·dry brushing
  • ·atmospheric perspective
  • ·scumbling

common pitfalls

  • →Overworking the details and losing the overall sense of atmosphere.
  • →Failing to establish a strong value structure.
  • →Using colors that are too bright or saturated.
  • →Ignoring the principles of atmospheric perspective.

materials

surface · stretched canvas

required

  • ·stretched canvas
  • ·burnt umber oil paint
  • ·raw sienna oil paint
  • ·titanium white oil paint
  • ·sap green oil paint
  • ·round brushes (various sizes)
  • ·flat brushes (various sizes)
  • ·linseed oil

optional

  • ·palette knife
  • ·turpentine
  • ·medium gloss
  • ·easel

Use a medium-grit canvas for best results. Consider using a pre-toned canvas to simplify the initial stages of painting.

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oil painting for beginners →how to learn by studying the masters →
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