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home·artworks·View near Polling
View near Polling by John Henry Twachtman

plate no. 1130

View near Polling

John Henry Twachtman, 1877

oil, canvasImpressionismlandscapelandscapetreesskyfieldpathfigure
some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in layering paint to create depth and atmosphere, as well as simplifying complex scenes into basic shapes and values. Students will also practice creating a sense of light and shadow using a limited color palette.

technical profile

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

study guide

est. 8 hrs

approach — 8 steps

  1. step 01

    Sketch the basic composition, focusing on the horizon line, the path, and the placement of the trees.

  2. step 02

    Block in the sky with a light blue, leaving some areas for clouds.

  3. step 03

    Establish the dark masses of the trees, using a mix of greens and browns.

  4. step 04

    Paint the field with varying shades of green and brown, indicating the shadows and highlights.

  5. step 05

    Add the path, using a lighter tone of brown and blending it into the surrounding field.

  6. step 06

    Refine the details of the trees, adding branches and leaves with loose brushstrokes.

  7. step 07

    Add the figure on the path, keeping it simple and small.

  8. step 08

    Adjust the values and colors throughout the painting to create a sense of depth and atmosphere.

color palette

primary · ultramarine blue · burnt umber · yellow ochre · titanium white

secondary · sap green · raw sienna

Mix greens by combining yellow ochre and ultramarine blue. Use burnt umber to darken colors and create shadows. Add white to lighten colors and create highlights.

techniques

  • ·dry brush texture
  • ·scumbling
  • ·layering
  • ·atmospheric perspective
  • ·broken color

common pitfalls

  • →Overworking the details and losing the loose, impressionistic feel.
  • →Making the colors too saturated and bright.
  • →Failing to create a sense of depth and atmosphere.
  • →Not simplifying the complex shapes of the trees.

materials

surface · stretched canvas

required

  • ·stretched canvas 12x16
  • ·ultramarine blue oil paint
  • ·burnt umber oil paint
  • ·yellow ochre oil paint
  • ·titanium white oil paint
  • ·round brushes (#2, #6)
  • ·flat brush (#8)
  • ·palette knife

optional

  • ·linseed oil
  • ·turpentine
  • ·palette

Use a medium-tooth canvas for best results. Consider using a limited palette to simplify the color mixing process.

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related guides

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