plate no. 0834

Wagons

Charles M. Russell, 1921

oilRomanticismgenre paintingfigureshorseslandscapeskyrivermountains

experienced study

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in depicting figures and animals in a landscape, as well as understanding atmospheric perspective and color temperature changes in light.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 20 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Sketch the basic composition, paying attention to the placement of the figures, horses, and landscape elements.
step 02
Establish the horizon line and the major shapes of the mountains and sky.
step 03
Block in the main color areas for the sky, landscape, and figures using thin washes.
step 04
Develop the details of the figures and horses, focusing on accurate proportions and anatomy.
step 05
Add layers of color to the landscape, building up texture and depth with visible brushstrokes.
step 06
Refine the highlights and shadows to create a sense of form and volume.
step 07
Pay attention to the atmospheric perspective, making distant objects appear lighter and less detailed.
step 08
Add final details and adjust values to create a cohesive and dynamic composition.

color palette

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

secondary · alizarin crimson · raw umber · cadmium yellow light

Mix various browns and grays by combining burnt sienna, ultramarine blue, and white. Use yellow ochre and white for highlights on the grass. Add alizarin crimson to browns for warmer tones in the figures and horses.

techniques