plate no. 6488

Zomer te Latem

Gustave de Smet, 1936

oilExpressionismlandscapelandscapecloudsbuildingsfieldtreeschurch

some experience helpful

This painting helps students practice layering techniques and creating depth through color and value. Recreating the visible brushstrokes will improve control and understanding of texture.

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 horizon line and placement of main elements.
step 02
Block in the sky with broad strokes, establishing the light and dark areas of the clouds.
step 03
Paint the distant landscape, using muted colors to suggest depth.
step 04
Add the buildings and trees, paying attention to their shapes and relative sizes.
step 05
Develop the foreground field, using directional strokes to create texture.
step 06
Refine the details of the clouds, adding highlights and shadows.
step 07
Adjust the overall color balance and value contrast to create a sense of atmosphere.
step 08
Add final details and highlights to the buildings and trees.

color palette

primary · titanium white · raw umber · yellow ochre · Prussian blue

secondary · burnt sienna · cadmium yellow light · sap green

Mix muted greens by combining yellow ochre, Prussian blue, and raw umber. Achieve cloud variations by mixing white with small amounts of raw umber and yellow ochre.

techniques