plate no. 7850

Building Site with Willows

oilRealismlandscapetreeslandscapebuildingskyfigureshorse

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in layering colors to create depth and texture, and in simplifying complex scenes into manageable shapes and values. It also provides practice in depicting foliage and atmospheric perspective.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 10 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Sketch the basic composition, focusing on the placement of the trees, building, and horizon line.
step 02
Establish the sky with a thin wash of blue and gray, blending the colors softly.
step 03
Block in the large shapes of the trees with dark greens and browns, paying attention to the overall form.
step 04
Add the building with a mix of red, orange, and brown, indicating the light and shadow.
step 05
Develop the foreground with greens and browns, suggesting the grass and path.
step 06
Layer lighter greens and yellows on the trees to create highlights and texture.
step 07
Add details to the building and figures, using small brushstrokes.
step 08
Refine the overall painting, adjusting values and adding subtle color variations.

color palette

primary · sap green · burnt umber · cerulean blue

secondary · yellow ochre · cadmium red light · titanium white

Mix greens by combining blue and yellow with touches of brown. Create variations in the building's color by adding white or burnt umber to the red. Use white to lighten the sky and create highlights.

techniques