plate no. 1638
At the Black Stream, Mejlgaard. Study
Theodor Philipsen, 1894
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 capturing the impressionistic style of loose brushwork.
technical profile
palette complexity
3
brushwork visibility
4
value contrast
3
compositional simplicity
3
study guide
est. 8 hrsapproach — 8 steps
- step 01
Sketch the basic composition, focusing on the placement of the trees, stream, and path.
- step 02
Block in the sky with a thin layer of light blue, leaving some areas for clouds.
- step 03
Establish the main value masses for the trees and foliage using a mix of greens, browns, and yellows.
- step 04
Paint the stream and path, capturing the reflections and variations in color.
- step 05
Add details to the trees, including branches and leaves, using short, broken brushstrokes.
- step 06
Refine the foliage with layers of color, creating depth and texture.
- step 07
Add highlights and shadows to enhance the form of the trees and foliage.
- step 08
Make final adjustments to the colors and values to create a cohesive and harmonious painting.
color palette
primary · sap green · yellow ochre · ultramarine blue · burnt umber
secondary · titanium white · cadmium yellow · raw sienna
Mix greens by combining blue and yellow, and adjust the tone with burnt umber or white. Achieve earthy tones by mixing browns, yellows, and greens.
techniques
- ·broken color
- ·scumbling
- ·wet-on-dry layering
- ·alla prima
- ·atmospheric perspective
common pitfalls
- →Overworking the details and losing the loose, impressionistic feel.
- →Creating muddy colors by overmixing.
- →Failing to establish a clear value structure.
- →Ignoring the atmospheric perspective, making distant objects too sharp.
materials
surface · stretched canvas
required
- ·stretched canvas 12x16
- ·oil paints
- ·#4 round brush
- ·#6 filbert brush
- ·palette
- ·linseed oil
- ·odorless mineral spirits
- ·palette knife
optional
- ·painting medium
- ·easel
- ·rags
- ·photo reference
Use a medium-tooth canvas for better texture. Consider using a limited palette to simplify color mixing.
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