plate no. 8876
View of strains
some experience helpful
This painting is great for practicing layering colors and creating texture with visible brushstrokes. Students can learn to simplify a complex scene into basic shapes and color blocks.
technical profile
palette complexity
3
brushwork visibility
4
value contrast
3
compositional simplicity
3
study guide
est. 8 hrsapproach — 8 steps
- step 01
Sketch the basic composition, focusing on the placement of the trees and the horizon line.
- step 02
Block in the sky with a light gray-purple wash.
- step 03
Apply a base layer of yellow-green for the field, varying the tones slightly.
- step 04
Paint the distant trees and bushes with muted greens and purples.
- step 05
Add the dark brown trunks of the trees, paying attention to their varying thicknesses and angles.
- step 06
Create shadows on the ground using darker greens and browns.
- step 07
Add details to the tree trunks and foliage using short, broken brushstrokes.
- step 08
Refine the colors and values, adding highlights and shadows to create depth.
color palette
primary · yellow ochre · burnt umber · sap green
secondary · titanium white · ultramarine blue · cadmium yellow
Mix greens by combining yellow ochre, sap green, and ultramarine blue. Create browns by mixing burnt umber with yellow ochre and a touch of blue.
techniques
- ·broken color
- ·scumbling
- ·layering
- ·dry brushing
common pitfalls
- →Overworking the details and losing the simplicity of the composition.
- →Making the colors too saturated and unnatural.
- →Not varying the brushstrokes enough to create texture.
- →Ignoring the subtle color variations in the field and sky.
materials
surface · stretched canvas
required
- ·stretched canvas 12x16
- ·acrylic or oil paints
- ·round brushes (#4, #6, #8)
- ·flat brush (#6)
- ·palette
- ·palette knife
- ·linseed oil (if using oil paints)
- ·odorless mineral spirits (for cleaning)
optional
- ·easel
- ·painting medium
- ·varnish
Use a canvas with a medium texture to enhance the brushstrokes. Acrylics will dry faster, while oils allow for more blending time.
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