plate no. 9997
Autumn
Boris Kustodiev, 1915
some experience helpful
Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in color mixing for autumn foliage and creating depth using atmospheric perspective. It also provides practice in rendering architectural details and figures within a landscape.
technical profile
palette complexity
4
brushwork visibility
3
value contrast
3
compositional simplicity
3
study guide
est. 12 hrsapproach — 8 steps
- step 01
Sketch the basic composition, including the horizon line, major tree trunks, the gazebo, and the figure.
- step 02
Establish the sky color with a thin wash, blending from lighter to slightly darker tones towards the top.
- step 03
Block in the main shapes of the trees and foliage with broad strokes, focusing on the overall color masses.
- step 04
Begin adding details to the trees, varying the colors of the leaves to create depth and texture.
- step 05
Paint the gazebo, paying attention to its structure and the details of the roof and railings.
- step 06
Add the figure, using simple shapes and tones to suggest form and clothing.
- step 07
Refine the cityscape in the background, using lighter values and less detail to create atmospheric perspective.
- step 08
Add final details and highlights to the foreground elements, such as the fence and the leaves on the ground.
color palette
primary · yellow ochre · burnt sienna · ultramarine blue
secondary · cadmium red · viridian green · titanium white
Mix various shades of orange and yellow for the foliage by combining yellow ochre, burnt sienna, and cadmium red. Create muted greens for the gazebo and fence by mixing viridian green with yellow ochre and a touch of burnt sienna. Achieve atmospheric perspective by lightening colors with white and adding a touch of blue.
techniques
- ·broken color
- ·atmospheric perspective
- ·scumbling
- ·color layering
- ·blocking in
common pitfalls
- →Overworking the details in the background, which can flatten the perspective.
- →Using colors that are too saturated, resulting in an unrealistic and jarring effect.
- →Neglecting the subtle variations in color and value within the foliage.
- →Failing to establish a clear focal point, leading to a cluttered composition.
materials
surface · stretched canvas
required
- ·stretched canvas 18x24
- ·acrylic or oil paints
- ·round brushes (sizes 2, 6, 10)
- ·flat brushes (sizes 4, 8)
- ·palette
- ·palette knife
- ·linseed oil (if using oil paints)
- ·odorless mineral spirits (for cleanup)
optional
- ·painting medium
- ·easel
- ·rags
Use a medium-textured canvas to allow for better paint adhesion and texture. Consider using a limited palette to simplify color mixing.
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