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home·artworks·Tunk Mountains, Autumn, Maine
Tunk Mountains, Autumn, Maine by John Marin

plate no. 0045

Tunk Mountains, Autumn, Maine

John Marin, 1945

oilCubismlandscapemountainslandscapeskycloudstreesautumn
some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in expressive brushwork and simplifying complex landscapes into abstract shapes. It also encourages experimentation with color and texture to convey a sense of place.

technical profile

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

study guide

est. 8 hrs

approach — 8 steps

  1. step 01

    Lightly sketch the basic shapes of the mountains and foreground.

  2. step 02

    Block in the sky with light blue and hints of pink, using horizontal brushstrokes.

  3. step 03

    Establish the mountain masses with varying shades of green and brown.

  4. step 04

    Add the darker blue stripes to the mountains to define their form.

  5. step 05

    Define the foreground with broad strokes of beige, yellow, red, and green, creating a patchwork effect.

  6. step 06

    Use smaller brushstrokes to add details and texture to the trees and foliage.

  7. step 07

    Add final touches and highlights to create depth and interest.

  8. step 08

    Allow to dry and add a varnish if desired.

color palette

primary · cerulean blue · yellow ochre · cadmium red · titanium white

secondary · sap green · burnt umber · raw sienna

Mix greens by combining yellow ochre and cerulean blue. Achieve muted tones by mixing complementary colors like red and green.

techniques

  • ·broken color
  • ·expressive brushwork
  • ·scumbling
  • ·layering
  • ·color mixing

common pitfalls

  • →overworking the painting
  • →muddying the colors
  • →losing the sense of light and atmosphere
  • →being too literal with the representation

materials

surface · stretched canvas

required

  • ·stretched canvas
  • ·acrylic or oil paints
  • ·assorted brushes (flat and round)
  • ·palette
  • ·palette knife
  • ·linseed oil or acrylic medium
  • ·rags

optional

  • ·easel
  • ·painting medium
  • ·varnish
  • ·photo reference

Use a medium-textured canvas to enhance the brushwork. Acrylics will dry faster, while oils allow for more blending time.

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related guides

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