plate no. 4793
View of the plain of Montmartre X effect of storm
Theodore Rousseau, 1848
study guide
est. 10 hrsapproach — 8 steps
- step 01
Sketch the basic composition, focusing on the horizon line and placement of major elements like the tree and distant buildings.
- step 02
Establish the sky with broad strokes, blending grays, yellows, and browns to create a stormy atmosphere.
- step 03
Block in the distant hills and buildings with muted greens and browns, paying attention to atmospheric perspective.
- step 04
Lay down the base color for the field, using a mix of browns and ochres.
- step 05
Add details to the tree, using darker tones for the trunk and branches and lighter tones for the foliage.
- step 06
Develop the texture of the field with short, broken brushstrokes, adding highlights and shadows to suggest grass and vegetation.
- step 07
Refine the details of the buildings and figures in the distance, keeping them soft and indistinct.
- step 08
Add final touches and highlights to enhance the overall mood and atmosphere.
color palette
primary · raw umber · yellow ochre · titanium white
secondary · Prussian blue · burnt sienna
Achieve the muted tones by mixing complementary colors (e.g., blue and orange) with white. Use thin washes of color to build up depth and atmosphere.
techniques
- ·scumbling
- ·dry brushing
- ·atmospheric perspective
- ·layering
- ·tonal painting
common pitfalls
- →Overworking details in the background
- →Using colors that are too bright or saturated
- →Ignoring atmospheric perspective
- →Creating harsh lines instead of soft transitions
materials
surface · stretched canvas
required
- ·stretched canvas
- ·raw umber oil paint
- ·yellow ochre oil paint
- ·titanium white oil paint
- ·Prussian blue oil paint
- ·burnt sienna oil paint
- ·#4 round brush
- ·#8 flat brush
optional
- ·palette knife
- ·linseed oil
- ·turpentine
- ·easel
Use a medium-textured canvas to help create a more textured effect. Consider using a limited palette to simplify color mixing.
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