plate no. 7633

Wildflowers Under Grey Skies (the Coming Storm)

oilTonalismlandscapetreeslandscapeskycloudsfieldfoliage

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in layering colors to create depth and atmosphere, and in using brushstrokes to suggest texture and form.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 8 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Sketch the basic composition, focusing on the placement of the trees and the horizon line.
step 02
Establish the overall color scheme by applying a thin wash of muted green and gray tones.
step 03
Block in the sky with broad, blended strokes, creating a sense of atmospheric perspective.
step 04
Add darker values to the trees and foliage to define their shapes and create contrast.
step 05
Layer lighter greens and yellows onto the field to suggest sunlight and wildflowers.
step 06
Refine the details of the trees, adding branches and leaves with small, textured brushstrokes.
step 07
Adjust the values and colors throughout the painting to create a sense of depth and harmony.
step 08
Add final highlights to capture the light and atmosphere of the scene.

color palette

primary · gray · olive green · brown · yellow ochre

secondary · sky blue · burnt umber · titanium white

Mix muted greens by combining yellow ochre, blue, and a touch of brown. Achieve atmospheric perspective by adding white to colors as they recede into the distance.

techniques

·layering
·blending
·dry brushing
·scumbling
·atmospheric perspective

common pitfalls

→Overworking the details and losing the overall sense of atmosphere.
→Using colors that are too bright or saturated.
→Failing to create a sense of depth and distance.
→Not paying attention to the subtle variations in value and color.

materials

surface · stretched canvas

required

·Stretched canvas (12x16 or similar)
·Oil paints (gray, olive green, brown, yellow ochre, sky blue, burnt umber, titanium white)
·Palette
·Assorted brushes (round and flat)
·Odorless mineral spirits
·Linseed oil
·Palette knife