plate no. 7957

Autumn Forest

Max Slevogt, 1906

oil, canvasImpressionismlandscapetreesforestautumnlandscapefoliagesky

some experience helpful

This painting is a good exercise in capturing light and shadow within a dense scene, and in using broken color to create a sense of texture and depth. Students will learn to simplify complex forms into expressive brushstrokes.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 8 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Lightly sketch the basic composition, focusing on the placement of the trees and the horizon line.
step 02
Block in the sky with a thin wash of blue and white, leaving some areas unpainted for variation.
step 03
Establish the darkest areas of the foliage with a mix of burnt umber and black.
step 04
Begin layering in the mid-tones and highlights of the trees and foliage, using a variety of warm colors like yellow ochre, burnt sienna, and cadmium yellow.
step 05
Use short, broken brushstrokes to create the texture of the leaves and branches.
step 06
Pay attention to the direction of light and shadow to create depth and dimension.
step 07
Add details to the foreground, such as small bushes and fallen leaves.
step 08
Refine the painting by adjusting the values and colors as needed, and add final highlights to create a sense of sparkle.

color palette

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

secondary · cadmium yellow · raw umber · black

Mix various shades of green by combining blue and yellow ochre, and adjust the warmth or coolness by adding burnt sienna or ultramarine blue. Achieve the autumnal colors by mixing yellow ochre, burnt sienna, and cadmium yellow in different proportions.

techniques

·broken color
·dry brush
·layering
·scumbling
·impasto

common pitfalls

→Overworking the painting and losing the freshness of the brushstrokes.
→Creating a flat, uniform texture instead of varying the brushstrokes to create interest.
→Failing to establish a clear sense of light and shadow.
→Using colors straight from the tube without mixing them to create subtle variations.