plate no. 3696

View of Copped Hall in Essex, from across the Lake

oilRococolandscapelaketreesbuildingskyfigureslandscape

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in atmospheric perspective and creating depth through layering. Students will also practice mixing subtle greens and blues to represent water and foliage.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 12 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Sketch the basic composition, focusing on the horizon line and the placement of the building and trees.
step 02
Establish the sky with light blues and grays, blending the colors softly to create clouds.
step 03
Block in the distant hill and building with muted greens and browns, paying attention to the atmospheric perspective.
step 04
Paint the lake with varying shades of blue and green, reflecting the sky and surrounding landscape.
step 05
Add the foreground foliage and trees, using darker greens and browns to create depth.
step 06
Include details like the figures and boat, keeping them small and simple.
step 07
Refine the details of the building and trees, adding highlights and shadows.
step 08
Add final touches, such as reflections in the water and subtle variations in the sky.

color palette

primary · Prussian blue · Yellow ochre · Titanium white · Burnt umber

secondary · Cadmium yellow · Alizarin crimson · Sap green

Mix greens by combining yellow ochre and Prussian blue. Use white to lighten colors and create atmospheric perspective. Add a touch of alizarin crimson to browns for warmth.

techniques