plate no. 9360

At the Fence

gouache, paperPost-Impressionismgenre paintingfigurefencetreesbuildingsnowwinter

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students practice simplifying complex scenes into basic shapes and using a limited color palette to create a cohesive atmosphere. Students will also learn to suggest details with expressive brushstrokes rather than precise rendering.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 8 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Lightly sketch the main shapes: the building, figure, trees, and fence.
step 02
Block in the large areas of color: the yellow-ochre of the building, the dark tones of the trees, and the general color of the ground.
step 03
Add the darker tones to define the building's windows and architectural details.
step 04
Paint the figure, focusing on the overall shape and color rather than precise details.
step 05
Create the fence by painting the dark lattice structure and then adding dabs of white to represent snow.
step 06
Add highlights and shadows to create depth and dimension.
step 07
Refine the details with expressive brushstrokes, paying attention to the texture of the snow and the branches of the trees.
step 08
Add final touches and adjust colors as needed to achieve the desired mood.

color palette

primary · yellow ochre · burnt umber · titanium white

secondary · cadmium red · ultramarine blue

Mix yellow ochre with burnt umber and white for the building. Use ultramarine blue and burnt umber for the dark tones of the trees and fence. Mix cadmium red with burnt umber and white for the figure's clothing.

techniques

·broken color
·dry brushing
·scumbling
·simplification of form
·limited palette

common pitfalls

→Overworking the details and losing the expressive brushstrokes.
→Making the colors too saturated and losing the muted, atmospheric effect.
→Not simplifying the forms enough and creating a cluttered composition.
→Failing to capture the light and shadow accurately, resulting in a flat, lifeless painting.