plate no. 5163

An Italian Garden

William Merritt Chase, 1909

oilImpressionismlandscapegardentreesflowersarchitecturepathgate

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in layering colors to create depth and texture, as well as understanding atmospheric perspective to depict distance.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 12 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Sketch the basic composition, focusing on the perspective of the path and the placement of key elements like the gate and trees.
step 02
Establish the sky with light blue and white, blending softly.
step 03
Block in the main shapes of the trees and bushes with varying shades of green.
step 04
Add the architectural elements (gate, walls, statues) using light grays and browns, paying attention to their structure.
step 05
Paint the path with a mix of light browns, pinks, and grays, suggesting the texture of the ground.
step 06
Add the flower pots and flowers with a variety of reds, pinks, yellows, and whites, using short, broken brushstrokes.
step 07
Refine the details of the foliage and architectural elements, adding highlights and shadows.
step 08
Add final touches and adjust colors as needed to achieve the desired effect.

color palette

primary · sap green · titanium white · cadmium red · yellow ochre

secondary · ultramarine blue · burnt umber · cadmium yellow

Mix greens by combining blues and yellows with white. Achieve the earthy tones by mixing browns, reds, and yellows. Use white to lighten colors and create highlights.

techniques