plate no. 2620
A Copse, Evening
A.Y. Jackson, 1918
some experience helpful
Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in layering colors to create depth and texture, as well as simplifying complex scenes into basic shapes and values. Students will also learn how to create a sense of atmosphere and mood through color and brushwork.
technical profile
palette complexity
3
brushwork visibility
4
value contrast
3
compositional simplicity
3
study guide
est. 8 hrsapproach — 8 steps
- step 01
Sketch the basic composition, focusing on the horizon line and the placement of the trees and trenches.
- step 02
Block in the sky with a light, warm color, creating the angled light rays.
- step 03
Establish the basic shapes of the hills and trenches using a mid-tone brown.
- step 04
Add darker values to the shadows and lighter values to the highlights on the hills and trenches.
- step 05
Paint the trees, focusing on their bare branches and irregular shapes.
- step 06
Add details to the trenches, such as the wooden planks and the figures.
- step 07
Refine the colors and values throughout the painting, paying attention to the overall atmosphere.
- step 08
Add final details and highlights to create a sense of depth and realism.
color palette
primary · burnt umber · raw sienna · titanium white
secondary · ultramarine blue · yellow ochre · sap green
Mix burnt umber and raw sienna for the earth tones. Add white to lighten the colors and blue to create cooler shadows. Use yellow ochre and sap green sparingly for highlights and variations in the landscape.
techniques
- ·broken color
- ·dry brush
- ·layering
- ·scumbling
- ·alla prima
common pitfalls
- →Overworking the details and losing the overall impressionistic effect.
- →Using too much detail in the background, which can flatten the image.
- →Failing to create a sense of depth and atmosphere.
- →Not varying the brushstrokes enough to create texture.
materials
surface · stretched canvas
required
- ·stretched canvas
- ·burnt umber oil paint
- ·raw sienna oil paint
- ·titanium white oil paint
- ·ultramarine blue oil paint
- ·round brushes (various sizes)
- ·flat brushes (various sizes)
- ·linseed oil
optional
- ·palette knife
- ·painting medium
- ·easel
Use a medium-grit canvas for best results. Consider using a fast-drying medium to speed up the drying time.
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