plate no. 3058

Birch trunks in front of red farmstead

Paula Modersohn-Becker, 1901

boardExpressionismlandscapetreesbirchlandscapefarmsteadwoodstrunks

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in layering colors to create depth and texture, as well as understanding how to represent form with simplified shapes and tonal variations. Students will also learn to create a sense of atmosphere using a limited color palette.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 8 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Lightly sketch the basic shapes of the tree trunks and the background elements.
step 02
Block in the background colors using broad strokes, starting with the darker tones.
step 03
Establish the base color of the tree trunks with a mid-tone gray.
step 04
Add highlights to the tree trunks using white mixed with a touch of gray, following the direction of the light.
step 05
Define the dark markings on the birch bark with black and dark brown.
step 06
Layer in the ground and foliage with browns, greens, and grays, varying the brushstrokes to create texture.
step 07
Refine the details of the tree trunks and background, paying attention to the interplay of light and shadow.
step 08
Add final touches and highlights to create a sense of depth and realism.

color palette

primary · titanium white · burnt umber · raw sienna

secondary · sap green · ivory black · cadmium red

Mix white with small amounts of umber and sienna to create the various shades of gray for the birch bark. Use burnt umber and cadmium red for the red farmstead. Mix sap green with umber and white to create the foliage.

techniques

·dry brush texture
·scumbling
·layering
·color mixing
·broken color

common pitfalls

→Overworking the details and losing the expressive quality of the brushstrokes.
→Using too much white and creating a chalky effect.
→Failing to establish a clear sense of light and shadow.
→Not varying the brushstrokes enough to create texture.

materials

surface · stretched canvas

required

·stretched canvas
·acrylic or oil paints
·round brushes (various sizes)
·flat brushes (various sizes)
·palette
·palette knife
·linseed oil (if using oil paints)
·mineral spirits or turpentine (for cleaning brushes)

optional

·painting medium
·easel
·rags

Use a canvas with a medium texture to enhance the brushstrokes. Acrylics are more beginner-friendly. If using oils, be sure to work in a well-ventilated area.

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