plate no. 4796
Břízy
Josef Capek, 1904
some experience helpful
Recreating this painting will help students practice limited palette mixing and learn how to create depth using subtle value changes. It also provides practice in depicting tree forms and creating a sense of atmosphere.
technical profile
palette complexity
2
brushwork visibility
4
value contrast
3
compositional simplicity
3
study guide
est. 8 hrsapproach — 8 steps
- step 01
Sketch the basic composition, including the trees, buildings, and horizon line.
- step 02
Block in the sky with a mid-tone gray.
- step 03
Establish the overall value structure of the field, using darker tones in the foreground and lighter tones in the distance.
- step 04
Paint the tree trunks, focusing on their verticality and subtle variations in tone.
- step 05
Add the foliage of the trees using short, broken brushstrokes.
- step 06
Paint the buildings in the background, simplifying their forms and values.
- step 07
Add the shadows cast by the trees, paying attention to their direction and length.
- step 08
Refine the details and adjust the values to create a cohesive and atmospheric painting.
color palette
primary · gray · white · blue
secondary · black
Achieve various shades of gray by mixing white and black. Add small amounts of blue to create cooler grays for the sky and shadows.
techniques
- ·dry brushing
- ·scumbling
- ·value studies
- ·atmospheric perspective
common pitfalls
- →Overworking the details
- →Creating too much contrast
- →Ignoring the atmospheric perspective
- →Making the colors too saturated
materials
surface · stretched canvas
required
- ·canvas or painting panel
- ·gray oil paint
- ·white oil paint
- ·blue oil paint
- ·round brushes
- ·flat brushes
- ·palette
optional
- ·palette knife
- ·painting medium
- ·easel
A toned canvas can be helpful for establishing the overall value structure.
tips & new artworks in your inbox
no spam — unsubscribe anytime.
or to save artworks, chat, and track progress
in this vein
related artworks
Dolly Sisters
Kees van Dongen
Nude with Loaves
Jean Helion
My Father
Carlos Botelho
Helen
Chronis Botsoglou
The portrait painter in the country
Albin Egger-Lienz
Marketta on Lázeňská street, Prague
Maria Bozoky
Winter at the Entrepotdok, in Amsterdam city
Paul Werner
Old Woman with Masks (Theatre of Masks)
James Ensor