plate no. 7371

Autumn Afternoon, Giverny

oilImpressionismlandscapelandscapetreesbuildingsfieldskyfoliage

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in color mixing for subtle variations and layering brushstrokes to create texture and depth. It's also a good exercise in capturing atmospheric perspective.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 8 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Sketch the basic composition, focusing on the horizon line and placement of major elements.
step 02
Block in the sky with a thin wash of light blue and white.
step 03
Establish the distant hills with a muted blue-gray tone.
step 04
Begin layering in the trees, using a mix of greens, yellows, oranges, and browns. Vary the brushstrokes to create texture.
step 05
Add the buildings, paying attention to their placement and proportions.
step 06
Develop the foreground field with layers of greens, yellows, and browns, using short, broken brushstrokes.
step 07
Refine the details, adding highlights and shadows to create depth.
step 08
Adjust the overall color harmony and value relationships.

color palette

primary · yellow ochre · ultramarine blue · burnt umber · titanium white

secondary · cadmium yellow · cadmium red · viridian green

Mix greens by combining ultramarine blue and cadmium yellow. Create browns by blending burnt umber with yellow ochre and a touch of red. Mute colors by adding a small amount of complementary color.

techniques