plate no. 6347

57. Wheat Fields 2017 by Anthony D. Padgett (after Van Gogh Auvers Sur Oise 1890)

Anthony Padgett, 2017

oilPost-Impressionismsymbolic paintingwheat fieldskylandscapehorizonvegetation

some experience helpful

This painting is great for learning expressive brushwork and layering techniques to create depth and texture. Students can practice simplifying a complex scene into basic shapes and colors.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 8 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Sketch the horizon line and basic shapes of the field and sky.
step 02
Block in the sky with broad strokes of blue, varying the tones.
step 03
Establish the base color of the field with a mix of browns and yellows.
step 04
Add layers of individual wheat stalks using short, thick brushstrokes.
step 05
Introduce highlights with lighter yellows and whites on the stalks.
step 06
Use darker browns and greens to create shadows and depth in the field.
step 07
Refine the details of the horizon line and distant trees.
step 08
Add final touches and highlights to the foreground for emphasis.

color palette

primary · cerulean blue · yellow ochre · burnt umber · titanium white

secondary · sap green · cadmium yellow light

Mix different shades of brown by combining burnt umber with yellow ochre and white. Create lighter yellows by adding white to cadmium yellow light. Vary the blues in the sky by adding small amounts of white or pink.

techniques

·impasto
·broken color
·scumbling
·layering
·alla prima

common pitfalls

→Overworking the details and losing the expressive brushstrokes.
→Creating a flat, uniform field without depth or variation.
→Using too much paint and creating a muddy texture.
→Ignoring the color variations in the sky and field.

materials

surface · stretched canvas

required

·stretched canvas 12x16
·oil paints (cerulean blue, yellow ochre, burnt umber, titanium white, sap green, cadmium yellow light)
·palette knife
·assorted flat brushes (#2, #6, #8)
·linseed oil
·palette
·artist grade odorless mineral spirits
·rags