plate no. 2488

Autumn Landscape

oilRealismlandscapetreeslandscapefiguresautumnpathfoliage

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in layering colors to create depth and texture, and in capturing the atmospheric perspective of a landscape. Students will also 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, figures, and horizon line.
step 02
Establish the background with a thin wash of light blues and grays to represent the distant mountains.
step 03
Block in the main shapes of the trees with broad strokes of color, focusing on the overall color masses.
step 04
Begin layering colors within the trees to create depth and variation, using a mix of reds, oranges, yellows, and browns.
step 05
Define the path and foreground with earth tones, adding texture with broken brushstrokes.
step 06
Add the figures and animals, keeping them simple and suggestive.
step 07
Refine the details of the trees and foliage, paying attention to the direction of light and shadow.
step 08
Add final highlights and shadows to enhance the sense of depth and atmosphere.

color palette

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

secondary · cadmium red · raw umber · sap green

Mix various shades of brown and green by combining the primary colors. Use white to lighten colors and create highlights. Mix red and yellow for oranges, and blue and yellow for greens.

techniques