plate no. 3161
A Temperance Meeting (or Noon Time)
Winslow Homer, 1874
some experience helpful
This painting offers a good opportunity to practice color temperature and atmospheric perspective. Students can also learn to simplify complex forms into basic shapes.
technical profile
palette complexity
3
brushwork visibility
4
value contrast
3
compositional simplicity
3
study guide
est. 12 hrsapproach — 8 steps
- step 01
Sketch the basic composition, focusing on the placement of the figures and the barn.
- step 02
Block in the large areas of color, starting with the sky and the field.
- step 03
Establish the light and shadow patterns on the barn and the figures.
- step 04
Refine the shapes of the figures, paying attention to their proportions and gestures.
- step 05
Add details to the field, such as the flowers and the grass.
- step 06
Paint the cows in the background, using lighter values to create atmospheric perspective.
- step 07
Add final details and highlights to the figures and the barn.
- step 08
Glaze with burnt umber to unify the painting.
color palette
primary · burnt sienna · yellow ochre · ultramarine blue · titanium white
secondary · cadmium red · raw umber · sap green
Mix various shades of brown and ochre for the field and the barn. Use ultramarine blue and white for the sky, adding a touch of yellow ochre near the horizon. Mix red and brown for the cows.
techniques
- ·blocking in
- ·blending
- ·scumbling
- ·glazing
- ·atmospheric perspective
common pitfalls
- →Overworking the details in the field.
- →Making the figures too stiff or unnatural.
- →Failing to create a sense of depth in the landscape.
- →Using colors that are too saturated.
materials
surface · stretched canvas
required
- ·stretched canvas 16x20
- ·burnt sienna oil paint
- ·yellow ochre oil paint
- ·ultramarine blue oil paint
- ·titanium white oil paint
- ·round brushes size 2, 4, 6
- ·linseed oil
- ·odorless mineral spirits
optional
- ·palette knife
- ·medium gloss
- ·raw umber oil paint
- ·cadmium red oil paint
Use a limited palette to simplify the color mixing process. Consider using a toned canvas to establish a base color.
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