plate no. 5455

Apple Butter Making

Grandma Moses, 1947

oilNaïve Art (Primitivism)genre paintinglandscapefigurestreesbuildingsapple butterrural scene

some experience helpful

This painting is a good exercise in simplifying complex scenes and practicing layering techniques to create depth. Students can learn to create a sense of perspective through size and placement of objects.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 8 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Sketch the basic shapes and layout of the scene, focusing on the horizon line and major elements like buildings and trees.
step 02
Block in the sky and background hills with light washes of color.
step 03
Add the basic shapes of the buildings and trees, using simplified forms and colors.
step 04
Paint the ground and grass, varying the greens to create depth.
step 05
Add the figures and details of the apple butter making scene, simplifying their forms and using bright colors.
step 06
Define the details of the buildings, such as windows and brickwork.
step 07
Add final details to the trees, such as leaves and branches.
step 08
Refine the overall composition and add any necessary highlights or shadows.

color palette

primary · sky blue · grass green · brick red · white

secondary · brown · yellow · black · grey

Mix various shades of green by combining blue and yellow with small amounts of brown or black. Achieve the brick red by mixing red with a touch of brown and orange.

techniques