plate no. 7786

Beginning of Autumn

oilImpressionismlandscapetreeslandscapeskyfoliagemountainsfence

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in layering colors to create depth and texture, as well as simplifying complex forms into basic shapes. It's a good exercise in capturing the essence of a scene rather than precise detail.

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 placement of the trees, mountains, and fence.
step 02
Block in the sky with a thin layer of blue and white, suggesting the clouds.
step 03
Establish the dark values of the tree trunks and branches using a mix of browns and greens.
step 04
Begin layering the foliage with various shades of green, yellow, and orange, using short, broken brushstrokes.
step 05
Add highlights to the foliage to create a sense of light and volume.
step 06
Paint the distant mountains with a muted blue-gray tone.
step 07
Define the fence with simple strokes of brown and white.
step 08
Refine the details and adjust the values to create a cohesive and atmospheric landscape.

color palette

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

secondary · sap green · cadmium yellow · burnt sienna

Mix greens by combining blue and yellow. Achieve muted tones by adding small amounts of burnt umber to your colors. Use white to lighten values and create atmospheric perspective.

techniques