plate no. 8609

Windy Day, Pasadena

oilImpressionismlandscapetreeslandscapemountainsskyfieldclouds

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in color mixing for atmospheric perspective and layering brushstrokes to create 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
Block in the sky with light blue, adding hints of white for clouds.
step 03
Establish the mountain range in the background with muted blues and purples.
step 04
Lay in the base color for the field using a mix of greens and yellows.
step 05
Paint the trees, using a variety of greens and yellows to capture the light and shadow.
step 06
Add details to the field, creating rows and variations in color to suggest depth.
step 07
Refine the highlights and shadows throughout the painting.
step 08
Add final details and adjust colors as needed.

color palette

primary · cerulean blue · sap green · yellow ochre · titanium white

secondary · burnt umber · cadmium yellow · ultramarine blue

Mix greens by combining blues and yellows, and create muted tones by adding small amounts of burnt umber. Achieve atmospheric perspective by lightening and cooling colors as they recede into the distance.

techniques