plate no. 4409

Autumn

oilImpressionismlandscapetreespathautumnlandscapefoliagesky

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in creating depth through atmospheric perspective and using broken color to represent textures and light.

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 path's perspective and the placement of trees.
step 02
Block in the sky with a light blue-gray wash.
step 03
Establish the dark masses of the trees and foliage using a mix of browns, greens, and blues.
step 04
Begin layering in the autumn colors (yellows, oranges, reds) using short, broken brushstrokes.
step 05
Add details to the tree trunks, especially the birch trees, using a dry brush technique.
step 06
Paint the path with varying shades of gray and brown, adding fallen leaves with small dabs of color.
step 07
Refine the foliage and add highlights to create a sense of depth and light.
step 08
Add final details and adjust values as needed.

color palette

primary · yellow ochre · burnt umber · titanium white

secondary · ultramarine blue · cadmium yellow · sap green

Mix browns and greens by combining burnt umber, ultramarine blue, and yellow ochre. Achieve the autumn colors by mixing cadmium yellow with burnt umber and a touch of red.

techniques