plate no. 9686

Trail Riders

Thomas Hart Benton, 1965

oil, canvasRegionalismlandscapemountainslaketreesskyfigureslandscape

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in layering colors to create depth and modeling forms with light and shadow. It also provides practice in depicting atmospheric perspective and creating a sense of vastness.

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 mountains, lake, and foreground elements.
step 02
Establish the horizon line and the main shapes of the mountains with light washes of color.
step 03
Begin layering darker tones to define the shadows and contours of the mountains.
step 04
Paint the sky with soft, blended colors, creating a sense of depth and atmosphere.
step 05
Add the details of the trees and foliage, varying the greens and textures to create visual interest.
step 06
Paint the lake with reflections of the sky and surrounding landscape.
step 07
Add the figures and animals in the foreground, paying attention to their proportions and placement.
step 08
Refine the details and highlights throughout the painting, creating a sense of realism and depth.

color palette

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

secondary · yellow ochre · cadmium red · raw sienna

Mix various shades of green by combining sap green with yellow ochre and burnt umber. Achieve the mountain colors by mixing burnt umber, ultramarine blue, and white, adjusting the proportions for different values.

techniques