plate no. 9649
Brittany Goose Girl
Clarence Gagnon, 1908
some experience helpful
Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in color mixing for natural light and shadow, as well as layering techniques to create depth and texture in foliage and figures. It also introduces the concept of atmospheric perspective.
technical profile
palette complexity
4
brushwork visibility
4
value contrast
3
compositional simplicity
3
study guide
est. 12 hrsapproach — 8 steps
- step 01
Sketch the basic composition, focusing on the placement of the trees, figure, and geese.
- step 02
Establish the horizon line and the perspective of the path.
- step 03
Block in the main color masses for the sky, trees, grass, and figure using thin washes.
- step 04
Begin layering colors in the foliage, using short, broken brushstrokes to create texture.
- step 05
Develop the details of the figure, paying attention to the light and shadow on the clothing.
- step 06
Add highlights and shadows to the geese to give them form.
- step 07
Refine the details of the trees, adding branches and leaves.
- step 08
Adjust the overall color balance and add final details to complete the painting.
color palette
primary · yellow ochre · ultramarine blue · burnt sienna · titanium white
secondary · cadmium yellow · alizarin crimson · viridian
Mix greens by combining yellow ochre and ultramarine blue, and adjust the warmth with cadmium yellow or burnt sienna. Achieve the sky color by diluting ultramarine blue with white. Create the figure's clothing by mixing alizarin crimson and ultramarine blue.
techniques
- ·broken color
- ·scumbling
- ·layering
- ·atmospheric perspective
- ·color mixing
common pitfalls
- →Overworking the details, which can flatten the image.
- →Using colors straight from the tube without mixing, resulting in unnatural hues.
- →Ignoring the effects of light and shadow, which can make the painting look flat.
- →Failing to establish a clear focal point, which can confuse the viewer.
materials
surface · stretched canvas
required
- ·stretched canvas 18x24
- ·oil paints (yellow ochre, ultramarine blue, burnt sienna, titanium white, cadmium yellow, alizarin crimson, viridian)
- ·palette
- ·palette knife
- ·assorted brushes (round and flat)
- ·linseed oil
- ·turpentine
- ·rags
optional
- ·painting medium
- ·easel
- ·varnish
Use a medium-tooth canvas for better texture. Consider using a limited palette to simplify color mixing.
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