plate no. 0189

Autumn

Pyotr Konchalovsky, 1949

oilRealismlandscapetreesautumnlandscapecowsskyfield

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in layering colors to create depth and texture, and in observing and representing the subtle color variations in nature. It also provides practice in depicting atmospheric perspective and creating a sense of depth through color and value changes.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 12 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Sketch the basic composition, including the placement of the trees, cows, and horizon line.
step 02
Block in the sky with light blue, adding subtle variations for clouds.
step 03
Establish the base colors for the trees and foliage, focusing on the overall warm tones of autumn.
step 04
Layer in darker values to define the tree trunks and branches, creating contrast and depth.
step 05
Add highlights to the foliage to suggest sunlight and create a sense of volume.
step 06
Paint the field with a mix of greens and browns, varying the colors to create texture and depth.
step 07
Add the cows, paying attention to their proportions and the way light falls on their bodies.
step 08
Refine the details, such as the individual leaves and branches, to add realism and visual interest.

color palette

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

secondary · cadmium yellow · raw umber · alizarin crimson

Mix various shades of orange and brown by combining burnt sienna, yellow ochre, and a touch of alizarin crimson. Use ultramarine blue and white for the sky, and add a touch of yellow ochre to warm the blue. Create greens by mixing blue and yellow, and adjust the shade with burnt umber.

techniques