I begin by lightly sketching the main shapes of the cattle, the barn and silo, and horizon lines. I want to clearly know where the sunlit edges of the cattle will be so that I can later paint around these areas, saving the white paper.

Then wet the paper with clear water without wetting the foreground cows or the barn and silo. While the paper is wet, wash in Cadmium Yellow, Raw Sienna, a touch of Windsor Green mixed with Raw Sienna, and some Cobalt Blue in a few areas to suggest some initial shadows. Allow these washes to dry.

Paint in the distant trees and landscape using more blue in the distant and less as you move toward the foreground. It is important to build darker contrast around the barn and silo and the cattle so that they will stand out and give a sense of sunlight in the painting. In order to suggest that the silo is 3-dimensional I painted a darker shadow down the middle with a Raw Sienna backlit side, saving white paper for the sunlit side.

Add Cobalt Blue shadows to the cattle, paying careful attention to save a white edge over their backs where the sunlight would be hitting. Add shadow to the shaded side of the barn as well.

Now give this painting some “punch” with a reddish brown mix of color for the cattle. Paint right over the blue shadows while varying the color, contrast and intensity throughout each animal. Strengthen the feeling of sunlight by adding some dark green and blue shadows from the cows in the grass. A few fence posts dropped in add interest. Observe from a distance for any needed final touches, and then enjoy the care-free life of this herd of Hereford cattle.