plate no. 0838

A Suffolk Harvest

Algernon Talmage, 1929

oilImpressionismlandscapehaystacksfigureshorseskycloudslandscape

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. It also provides practice in depicting atmospheric perspective and rendering figures within a landscape.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 10 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Sketch the basic shapes of the haystacks, figures, and horizon line using light pencil strokes.
step 02
Block in the sky with a thin wash of blue, adding hints of gray and white for the clouds.
step 03
Establish the basic values of the haystacks using a mix of browns and ochres, paying attention to the light and shadow.
step 04
Add the distant trees and landscape elements with muted greens and blues, creating a sense of depth.
step 05
Paint the figures and horse, focusing on their simplified forms and placement within the scene.
step 06
Refine the details of the haystacks, adding texture and variations in color to suggest the hay.
step 07
Add highlights and shadows to the figures and horse to give them form and dimension.
step 08
Make final adjustments to the overall composition, ensuring a harmonious balance of colors and values.

color palette

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

secondary · raw umber · cadmium yellow light · alizarin crimson

Mix various shades of brown for the haystacks by combining burnt sienna, raw umber, and yellow ochre. Use white to lighten the blues and create the sky. Add a touch of alizarin crimson to the browns for warmth.

techniques