plate no. 8107
Vermont Study
Rockwell Kent, 1920
some experience helpful
This painting is great for learning how to simplify complex landscapes into basic shapes and using color to define form and shadow. Students can practice layering and blending techniques to create depth and dimension.
technical profile
palette complexity
3
brushwork visibility
4
value contrast
4
compositional simplicity
3
study guide
est. 8 hrsapproach — 8 steps
- step 01
Sketch the basic shapes of the mountain, lake, and foreground.
- step 02
Block in the sky with a flat layer of blue.
- step 03
Apply the base colors for the mountain, using orange and purple hues.
- step 04
Add shadows to the mountain using darker shades of purple and brown.
- step 05
Paint the lake with varying shades of blue, reflecting the sky and surrounding landscape.
- step 06
Add the snow-covered areas with white and light blue.
- step 07
Paint the trees and bushes in the foreground with yellows and browns, adding shadows for depth.
- step 08
Refine details and highlights to create a sense of realism.
color palette
primary · cerulean blue · cadmium orange · titanium white
secondary · dioxazine purple · raw umber · yellow ochre
Mix orange and purple for mountain shadows. Use white to lighten blues for the sky and snow. Mix yellow ochre and raw umber for the foreground vegetation.
techniques
- ·blocking
- ·layering
- ·dry brushing
- ·color mixing
- ·scumbling
common pitfalls
- →Overworking the details and losing the simplified shapes.
- →Using too much paint and creating a muddy effect.
- →Failing to create enough contrast between light and shadow.
- →Not accurately capturing the color temperature of the snow and sky.
materials
surface · stretched canvas
required
- ·stretched canvas
- ·acrylic or oil paints
- ·round brushes
- ·flat brushes
- ·palette
- ·palette knife
- ·linseed oil (if using oil paints)
- ·mineral spirits or turpentine (for cleaning brushes)
optional
- ·painting medium
- ·easel
- ·apron
Use a medium-grain canvas for best results. Acrylics are more beginner-friendly due to faster drying times.
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