plate no. 6891
Tree in Flowing Moonlight
Karl Schrag, 1975
some experience helpful
Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in expressive brushwork and layering colors to create depth and atmosphere. It also encourages experimentation with color mixing to achieve subtle variations in tone.
technical profile
palette complexity
4
brushwork visibility
5
value contrast
3
compositional simplicity
3
study guide
est. 8 hrsapproach — 8 steps
- step 01
Sketch the basic shapes and composition lightly on the canvas.
- step 02
Establish the overall color scheme with a thin wash of green and blue.
- step 03
Block in the larger areas of foliage and trees using broad brushstrokes.
- step 04
Layer different shades of green, brown, and blue to create depth and texture.
- step 05
Add highlights and shadows to define the forms of the trees and foliage.
- step 06
Use short, expressive brushstrokes to create the flowing moonlight effect.
- step 07
Refine the details and adjust the colors as needed.
- step 08
Add final touches and highlights to enhance the overall effect.
color palette
primary · sap green · viridian · ultramarine blue
secondary · burnt umber · yellow ochre · titanium white
Mix greens with blues and yellows for variations in foliage. Use white to lighten colors and create highlights. Mix browns with blues and greens to create shadows.
techniques
- ·broken color
- ·dry brushing
- ·scumbling
- ·layering
- ·expressive brushwork
common pitfalls
- →Overworking the painting and losing the freshness of the brushstrokes.
- →Using too much paint and creating a muddy effect.
- →Failing to establish a clear focal point.
- →Not varying the brushstrokes enough to create texture and interest.
materials
surface · stretched canvas
required
- ·stretched canvas
- ·acrylic or oil paints
- ·#6 round brush
- ·#8 flat brush
- ·palette
- ·palette knife
- ·linseed oil (if using oils)
optional
- ·painting medium
- ·varnish
- ·easel
Use a medium-grain canvas for best results. Acrylics will dry faster, while oils allow for more blending time.
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