plate no. 6987
When the Plains Were His
Charles M. Russell, 1906
some experience helpful
Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in depicting figures and animals in motion, as well as creating depth and atmosphere in a landscape. Students will also learn to use a limited palette to create a harmonious and unified composition.
technical profile
palette complexity
4
brushwork visibility
4
value contrast
3
compositional simplicity
3
study guide
est. 15 hrsapproach — 8 steps
- step 01
Sketch the basic composition, focusing on the placement of the figures and horses.
- step 02
Block in the large shapes of the landscape with thin washes of color.
- step 03
Establish the light and shadow patterns on the figures and horses.
- step 04
Begin adding details to the figures, horses, and landscape, working from general to specific.
- step 05
Mix and apply the local colors of the figures, horses, and landscape.
- step 06
Refine the details and add highlights and shadows to create form and depth.
- step 07
Add final details such as the dogs, skull, and distant figures.
- step 08
Glaze and adjust colors as needed to achieve the desired effect.
color palette
primary · yellow ochre · burnt sienna · ultramarine blue
secondary · titanium white · raw umber · alizarin crimson
Mix various shades of brown and tan by combining yellow ochre, burnt sienna, and raw umber. Use ultramarine blue and burnt sienna to create grays for the sky and distant mountains. Add white to lighten colors and create highlights.
techniques
- ·dry brushing
- ·scumbling
- ·glazing
- ·alla prima
- ·atmospheric perspective
common pitfalls
- →Overworking the details too early in the process.
- →Failing to establish a strong value structure.
- →Using colors that are too saturated.
- →Losing the sense of atmosphere and depth.
materials
surface · stretched canvas
required
- ·stretched canvas 18x24
- ·oil paints
- ·linseed oil
- ·turpentine
- ·round brushes (#2, #4, #6)
- ·flat brushes (#4, #8)
- ·palette
- ·palette knife
optional
- ·painting medium
- ·retouch varnish
- ·easel
Use a medium-grain canvas for best results. Consider toning the canvas with a thin wash of burnt sienna before beginning.
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