plate no. 7117
Autumn
Teodor Axentowicz, 1900
some experience helpful
Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in figure painting, particularly rendering skin tones and drapery, and in creating atmospheric perspective using subtle color variations.
technical profile
palette complexity
4
brushwork visibility
4
value contrast
3
compositional simplicity
3
study guide
est. 20 hrsapproach — 8 steps
- step 01
Sketch the basic composition, focusing on the placement of the figures and the main shapes of the leaves.
- step 02
Establish the background colors, blending warm browns and yellows for the foliage and cooler grays for the sky.
- step 03
Block in the figures' forms with a mid-tone base color, paying attention to the overall proportions.
- step 04
Begin layering in the skin tones, using a limited palette of warm and cool colors to create highlights and shadows.
- step 05
Add the drapery, using thin washes of white and gray to create a sense of transparency and movement.
- step 06
Develop the details of the leaves, using a variety of brushstrokes to create texture and depth.
- step 07
Refine the facial features and add subtle details to the figures' hair and clothing.
- step 08
Add final highlights and shadows to enhance the overall sense of depth and realism.
color palette
primary · yellow ochre · burnt umber · titanium white
secondary · raw sienna · ultramarine blue · alizarin crimson
Achieve skin tones by mixing white, yellow ochre, and a touch of red. Use ultramarine blue to cool down the browns and create shadows in the foliage.
techniques
- ·glazing
- ·scumbling
- ·blending
- ·chiaroscuro
- ·atmospheric perspective
common pitfalls
- →Overworking the details too early in the process.
- →Creating muddy or dull colors by overmixing.
- →Failing to establish a clear sense of light and shadow.
- →Ignoring the subtle color variations in the skin tones.
materials
surface · stretched canvas
required
- ·stretched canvas
- ·oil paints
- ·linseed oil
- ·turpentine
- ·palette
- ·assorted brushes (round and flat)
- ·palette knife
- ·rags
optional
- ·retouch varnish
- ·painting medium
- ·easel
Use high-quality oil paints for best results. A medium-sized canvas (16x20 or 18x24) is recommended.
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