plate no. 3797
Under the Landscapes
Jacek Yerka, 2003
some experience helpful
Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in perspective, particularly atmospheric perspective, and in rendering textures like thatch and brick. It also encourages imaginative composition and color mixing for realistic but stylized landscapes.
technical profile
palette complexity
3
brushwork visibility
2
value contrast
3
compositional simplicity
2
study guide
est. 20 hrsapproach — 8 steps
- step 01
Sketch the basic composition, paying attention to the perspective of the buildings and the placement of the horizon line.
- step 02
Block in the main color areas: sky, fields, building roofs, and walls.
- step 03
Add details to the sky and fields, creating depth with lighter values in the distance.
- step 04
Develop the textures of the thatched roofs and brick walls using small brushstrokes and varying colors.
- step 05
Paint the tree and the clock, focusing on accurate proportions and details.
- step 06
Add the paths in the courtyard, ensuring they converge towards the horizon line.
- step 07
Refine the details of the buildings, including windows, doors, and other architectural elements.
- step 08
Add final highlights and shadows to create depth and dimension.
color palette
primary · yellow ochre · burnt sienna · ultramarine blue
secondary · raw umber · titanium white · cadmium red
Achieve the muted greens by mixing yellow ochre and ultramarine blue. Vary the shades of brown by mixing burnt sienna, raw umber, and a touch of blue or red. Use white to lighten colors for highlights and atmospheric perspective.
techniques
- ·atmospheric perspective
- ·dry brushing
- ·scumbling
- ·layering
- ·linear perspective
common pitfalls
- →Incorrect perspective can flatten the image.
- →Overly bright colors can detract from the muted, realistic feel.
- →Neglecting the details in the textures can make the painting look unfinished.
- →Ignoring atmospheric perspective will make the background appear flat.
materials
surface · stretched canvas
required
- ·stretched canvas
- ·acrylic or oil paints
- ·round brushes (sizes 2, 4, 6)
- ·flat brushes (sizes 4, 8)
- ·palette
- ·palette knife
- ·linseed oil (if using oil paints)
- ·odorless mineral spirits (for cleaning brushes)
optional
- ·painting medium (e.g., Liquin)
- ·easel
- ·ruler
Use a medium-grain canvas for better texture. Consider using a limited palette to simplify color mixing.
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