plate no. 8722
Albert Edelfelt - Summer
some experience helpful
Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in rendering light and shadow in a natural setting, as well as capturing the texture of grass and foliage with loose brushstrokes. Students will also learn how to create depth through atmospheric perspective.
technical profile
palette complexity
4
brushwork visibility
4
value contrast
3
compositional simplicity
3
study guide
est. 15 hrsapproach — 8 steps
- step 01
Begin with a light sketch to establish the composition and placement of the main elements.
- step 02
Block in the large areas of color, focusing on the overall values and temperature.
- step 03
Develop the background elements, such as the trees and foliage, using loose brushstrokes.
- step 04
Refine the figure, paying attention to the light and shadow on the dress and skin.
- step 05
Add details to the foreground, such as the grass and flowers.
- step 06
Create depth by making distant objects lighter and less detailed.
- step 07
Adjust the overall color harmony and value contrast.
- step 08
Add final highlights and details to bring the painting to life.
color palette
primary · sap green · titanium white · yellow ochre
secondary · burnt umber · cerulean blue · cadmium yellow
Mix greens by combining yellow ochre, sap green, and a touch of burnt umber for darker shades. Achieve the light, airy feel by mixing generous amounts of titanium white into your colors.
techniques
- ·broken color
- ·scumbling
- ·wet-on-dry layering
- ·atmospheric perspective
- ·alla prima
common pitfalls
- →Overworking the details in the background.
- →Creating overly saturated colors.
- →Failing to establish a clear focal point.
- →Ignoring the subtle value shifts in the grass and foliage.
materials
surface · stretched canvas
required
- ·stretched canvas 18x24
- ·#4 round brush
- ·#8 flat brush
- ·linseed oil
- ·odorless mineral spirits
- ·palette knife
- ·oil paints
optional
- ·painting medium
- ·varnish
- ·easel
Use a medium-tooth canvas for best results. Consider using a limited palette to simplify the color mixing process.
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