plate no. 1554
A Peach Tree
Lilla Cabot Perry, 1925
some experience helpful
Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in layering colors to create depth and capturing the effect of light on different surfaces. It's a good exercise in impressionistic brushwork and color mixing.
technical profile
palette complexity
4
brushwork visibility
4
value contrast
3
compositional simplicity
3
study guide
est. 8 hrsapproach — 8 steps
- step 01
Sketch the basic shapes of the buildings, trees, and path, focusing on composition.
- step 02
Establish the overall color temperature of the sky and ground with thin washes.
- step 03
Block in the larger areas of color for the buildings and foliage, paying attention to value.
- step 04
Begin layering colors within the trees, using short, broken brushstrokes to suggest leaves and blossoms.
- step 05
Add details to the path and foreground, creating texture with varied brushstrokes.
- step 06
Refine the light and shadow areas, enhancing the sense of depth and atmosphere.
- step 07
Add final details to the branches and foliage, using a smaller brush.
- step 08
Check for overall balance and make any necessary adjustments.
color palette
primary · yellow ochre · ultramarine blue · burnt sienna · titanium white
secondary · sap green · alizarin crimson · violet
Achieve the subtle color variations by mixing small amounts of complementary colors. Use white to create tints and thin the paint for layering.
techniques
- ·broken color
- ·layering
- ·scumbling
- ·wet-on-dry
- ·color mixing
common pitfalls
- →Overworking the details and losing the impressionistic feel.
- →Using colors straight from the tube without mixing.
- →Creating muddy colors by over-blending.
- →Ignoring the importance of value in creating depth.
materials
surface · stretched canvas
required
- ·stretched canvas 12x16
- ·oil paints
- ·round brushes (sizes 2, 4, 6)
- ·flat brushes (sizes 4, 8)
- ·palette
- ·palette knife
- ·linseed oil
- ·odorless mineral spirits
optional
- ·painting medium
- ·easel
- ·rags
Use a medium-tooth canvas to allow for texture. Consider using a limited palette to simplify color mixing.
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