plate no. 3717
Tuckerman's Ravine
John Henry Twachtman, 1873
some experience helpful
Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in atmospheric perspective and layering techniques to create depth. They will also learn to mix subtle color variations to depict light and shadow.
technical profile
palette complexity
3
brushwork visibility
3
value contrast
4
compositional simplicity
3
study guide
est. 12 hrsapproach — 8 steps
- step 01
Sketch the basic composition, focusing on the placement of the mountains, trees, and lake.
- step 02
Establish the sky with a light wash of warm colors, blending the clouds softly.
- step 03
Block in the distant mountains with lighter, muted tones to create atmospheric perspective.
- step 04
Paint the forest area with darker greens and browns, varying the values to suggest depth.
- step 05
Add the reflections in the lake, using slightly desaturated versions of the colors above.
- step 06
Paint the bare trees in the foreground, paying attention to the details of their branches.
- step 07
Add highlights to the mountains and trees to enhance the sense of light and shadow.
- step 08
Refine the details and blend the colors as needed to achieve a harmonious effect.
color palette
primary · burnt umber · raw sienna · titanium white · ultramarine blue
secondary · yellow ochre · sap green · ivory black
Mix burnt umber and ultramarine blue for the dark greens of the forest. Use white and raw sienna for the highlights on the mountains. Add a touch of yellow ochre to warm the sky.
techniques
- ·atmospheric perspective
- ·layering
- ·blending
- ·dry brushing
- ·glazing
common pitfalls
- →Overworking the details in the foreground, which can flatten the image.
- →Using too much contrast, which can make the painting look harsh.
- →Neglecting the atmospheric perspective, which can make the mountains appear too close.
- →Failing to blend the colors smoothly, which can create a choppy effect.
materials
surface · stretched canvas
required
- ·stretched canvas 18x24
- ·oil paints (burnt umber, raw sienna, titanium white, ultramarine blue, yellow ochre, sap green, ivory black)
- ·palette
- ·palette knife
- ·assorted brushes (round and flat)
- ·linseed oil
- ·turpentine
- ·rags
optional
- ·medium gloss
- ·easel
- ·painting varnish
Use a medium-grain canvas for best results. Consider using a limited palette to simplify the color mixing process.
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