Blocked in Basic Underpainting
After blocking in the background I did a simple sketch of the composition with a paintbrush in paint. I then started blocking in simple shapes of the clouds with a pallet knife.
I like to use a palette knife for a painting, this technique of painting is to me quite challenging but yet rewarding. Leaving simple shapes of colour to create the image, each stroke of the pallet knife has to be precise and cannot be adjusted afterwards.
Blocking in Basic Shapes
I started blocking in the dark shapes of trees on the horizon, also coming forward with the Greens for the fields in the landscape. Being careful not to place too much detail, I also used some of the dark tree colour to create shadows under the trees.
Continuing With Painting in Basic Shapes
Using some of the same dark colour for blocking in the simple tree shapes on the left, I then mixed greens to create lighter shapes of the trees, making sure to leave gaps of dark colour in the background for depth. I used the same colours to block in the field edges, not been tempted to be too precise. Using the paint that was left I blocked in the Greens under the trees on the left and using the dark colours for the simple shapes at the edge.
Adding More Detail
Mixing some yellows and greens I blocked in the foreground, using the same colours to lead the viewers eye into the distance. I started using tones of green colours to create shapes of trees in the background. Mixing tones of sky colour and white I applied shapes of clouds, not too much detail was needed.
Continuing to work with raw sienna, yellow ochre and red paint I added more detail to the composition. I also added tiny specks of red paint into the landscape to give a point of interest to the viewer. These were giving the illusion of wild poppies growing in the background.
Completed Painting
I enjoyed this little painting, It takes discipline and confidence to paint like this, the effects of simple shape and colour leave the viewer to create the illusion of the landscape. I hope you enjoyed the breakdown of the painting, so you could appreciate the process.
Thank you for viewing this painting.