plate no. 0937

Autumn

oilImpressionismportraitfigureportraitleavesfoliagedressautumn

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in impressionistic brushwork and color mixing to achieve luminous effects. Students will also learn to simplify complex forms using broken color and suggestive detail.

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 figure's pose and placement within the landscape.
step 02
Establish the background foliage with loose, broken brushstrokes of greens, yellows, and reds.
step 03
Block in the figure's form with light washes, paying attention to the planes of the face and body.
step 04
Begin layering colors on the figure, using short, broken strokes to suggest form and light.
step 05
Develop the details of the leaves and branches, using a variety of reds, oranges, and purples.
step 06
Refine the facial features, focusing on capturing the soft, diffused light.
step 07
Add highlights and shadows to create depth and dimension.
step 08
Make final adjustments to the color and value to achieve a harmonious overall effect.

color palette

primary · titanium white · cadmium red · cadmium yellow · viridian green

secondary · ultramarine blue · alizarin crimson · yellow ochre

Mix greens by combining viridian green with cadmium yellow or yellow ochre. Achieve skin tones by mixing titanium white, cadmium red, and a touch of yellow ochre. Use ultramarine blue and alizarin crimson to create purples for shadows and foliage.

techniques

·broken color
·impressionistic brushwork
·scumbling
·color layering
·alla prima

common pitfalls

→overworking the details
→muddying the colors
→losing the overall impression
→neglecting the importance of light and shadow

materials

surface · stretched canvas

required

·stretched canvas
·oil paints
·assorted brushes (round and flat)
·palette
·linseed oil
·turpentine or odorless mineral spirits
·palette knife

optional

·painting medium (e.g., Liquin)
·varnish
·easel

Use a medium-textured canvas to allow for better paint adhesion and brushstroke visibility. Consider using a limited palette to simplify color mixing.

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