plate no. 2641

Bush Sawyers

Frederick McCubbin, 1910

oilImpressionismgenre paintingtreesforestfigureslandscapewoodcutters

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in layering colors to create depth and atmosphere, as well as capturing the effects of light filtering through foliage. It also provides practice in depicting figures within a landscape setting.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 12 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Sketch the basic composition, focusing on the placement of the figures and the main tree trunks.
step 02
Establish the overall color scheme by blocking in the large areas of light and shadow with diluted washes.
step 03
Begin layering colors in the background, gradually building up the depth of the forest.
step 04
Work on the figures, paying attention to the light and shadow on their clothing and skin.
step 05
Add details to the foreground, such as the foliage and the cut log, using a variety of brushstrokes.
step 06
Refine the highlights and shadows throughout the painting to create a sense of realism.
step 07
Add final details, such as small branches and leaves, to enhance the overall effect.
step 08
Varnish the painting to protect it and enhance the colors.

color palette

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

secondary · sap green · raw sienna · ultramarine blue

Achieve the various greens by mixing yellow ochre and Prussian blue with varying amounts of white. Create earth tones by blending burnt umber with yellow ochre and a touch of blue.

techniques

·broken color
·scumbling
·layering
·alla prima
·atmospheric perspective

common pitfalls

→Overworking the details in the background, which can flatten the sense of depth.
→Using too much detail in the foreground, which can distract from the main subject.
→Failing to create a strong sense of light and shadow, which can make the painting look flat.
→Getting the proportions of the figures wrong, which can make them look unnatural.