plate no. 8906

Beech Trees

oil, canvasImpressionismlandscapetreesforestfoliagelandscapewoodslight

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in layering colors to create depth and texture, as well as understanding how light interacts with foliage in a forest setting. It also provides practice in capturing the texture of tree bark using visible brushstrokes.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 12 hrs

approach — 7 steps

step 01
Sketch the basic composition, focusing on the placement of the trees.
step 02
Establish the background colors with thin washes of green and yellow.
step 03
Block in the main tree trunks with varying shades of brown.
step 04
Begin layering the foliage, using different greens and yellows to create depth.
step 05
Add details to the tree bark, using short, broken brushstrokes.
step 06
Refine the foreground with browns, greens, and touches of yellow to simulate leaf litter.
step 07
Adjust values and colors throughout to create a sense of light and atmosphere.

color palette

primary · sap green · raw umber · yellow ochre

secondary · burnt sienna · titanium white · ultramarine blue

Mix greens by combining yellow ochre and ultramarine blue, adjusting the ratio for different shades. Use white to lighten colors and create highlights. Mix browns with raw umber, burnt sienna, and a touch of blue for depth.

techniques