plate no. 7932

Autumn

Jose Malhoa, 1918

oil, woodImpressionismlandscapetreesleavesautumnlandscapebuildingfoliage

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in layering colors with visible brushstrokes and creating depth through atmospheric perspective. It also provides practice in capturing the texture and color variations of autumn foliage.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 12 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Sketch the basic composition, focusing on the placement of the trees and the distant building.
step 02
Establish the background sky and the distant building with thin washes of color.
step 03
Block in the main shapes of the trees and foliage with broad strokes, using a mix of browns, yellows, and oranges.
step 04
Start layering colors on the leaves, using short, broken brushstrokes to create texture and variation.
step 05
Add details to the tree trunks, paying attention to the light and shadow.
step 06
Paint the foreground leaves, using a variety of warm colors and textures.
step 07
Refine the details and adjust the values to create depth and atmosphere.
step 08
Add final highlights and shadows to enhance the overall effect.

color palette

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

secondary · cadmium yellow · cadmium red · sap green

Mix various shades of brown by combining burnt umber with yellow ochre and a touch of blue. Achieve the golden hues of the leaves by mixing cadmium yellow with yellow ochre and a hint of red. Use white to lighten colors and create highlights.

techniques