plate no. 6144

A Queen of Gums

Tom Roberts, 1926

oilImpressionismlandscapetreeslandscapeskyfoliagegrassshadows

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in layering colors to create depth and using visible brushstrokes to convey texture. Students will also learn to simplify complex forms into basic shapes.

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 tree, horizon line, and any background elements.
step 02
Block in the sky with light blue and white, blending softly.
step 03
Establish the base color of the ground with a mix of yellow ochre and burnt sienna.
step 04
Begin layering the foliage with varying shades of green, yellow, and brown, using short, broken brushstrokes.
step 05
Add darker values to the shadowed areas of the tree and ground.
step 06
Paint the tree trunks and branches with a mix of grey, brown, and white, paying attention to their structure.
step 07
Refine the details of the foliage and add highlights to create a sense of light and shadow.
step 08
Add final touches and adjust colors as needed to achieve the desired effect.

color palette

primary · yellow ochre · ultramarine blue · burnt sienna · titanium white

secondary · sap green · raw umber

Mix greens by combining blue and yellow. Use white to lighten colors and create highlights. Mix browns by combining burnt sienna and ultramarine blue.

techniques