plate no. 6286

Autumn in Cagnes

Henri Matisse, 1918

oilImpressionismlandscapefieldtreeshousesskyhillslandscape

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students understand how to simplify complex scenes into basic shapes and practice layering colors to create depth and texture. It also provides an opportunity to explore impressionistic brushwork and color mixing.

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 horizon line and placement of major elements like the field, trees, and houses.
step 02
Block in the sky with a light gray-blue wash, allowing for variations in tone to suggest clouds.
step 03
Establish the base color of the field using a mix of yellows and browns, applying loose, vertical brushstrokes.
step 04
Paint the distant hills with a muted gray-green, blending the colors softly.
step 05
Add the trees using dark greens and blues, varying the brushstrokes to create texture and volume.
step 06
Block in the houses with simplified shapes, using whites, grays, and touches of color to suggest light and shadow.
step 07
Add details to the field, using lighter yellows and oranges to create highlights and texture.
step 08
Refine the details of the trees and houses, adding small touches of color and value to enhance the overall composition.

color palette

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

secondary · cadmium yellow · viridian green · raw sienna

Mix greens by combining blue and yellow, and create grays by mixing complementary colors with white. Achieve the field's color by blending yellow ochre, burnt umber, and touches of cadmium yellow.

techniques