plate no. 9670

61. The Combine Harvester After Reaper with Sickle 2017 by Anthony D. Padgett (after Van Gogh Saint Remy 1889)

Anthony Padgett, 2017

oilPost-Impressionismsymbolic paintingcombine harvesterfieldskyagriculturemachinefigure

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in blocking in shapes with bold brushstrokes and understanding color relationships to create depth and form. It's a good exercise in simplifying complex machinery into basic geometric forms.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 8 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Sketch the basic shapes of the combine harvester and the landscape, focusing on proportions and placement.
step 02
Block in the sky with light blue and white, using broad, horizontal strokes.
step 03
Establish the field with a base layer of ochre and green, varying the colors to create texture.
step 04
Begin blocking in the main colors of the combine: red for the body, blue for the front and top.
step 05
Add darker values to create shadows and define the forms of the combine.
step 06
Use smaller brushstrokes to add details like the windows, wheels, and other mechanical parts.
step 07
Refine the colors and values, paying attention to the interplay of light and shadow.
step 08
Add final details and highlights to complete the painting.

color palette

primary · ultramarine blue · cadmium red · yellow ochre · titanium white

secondary · sap green · violet

Mix various shades of blue by adding white or violet to ultramarine. Create different tones of red by mixing with white or a touch of yellow ochre. Achieve the field colors by blending yellow ochre, sap green, and a small amount of burnt umber.

techniques