plate no. 8977
Carriage and Dog
suitable for beginners
Recreating this painting helps students practice simplifying complex forms into basic shapes and using bold, visible brushstrokes to create texture and interest. It also encourages experimentation with color mixing to achieve the desired hues.
technical profile
palette complexity
2
brushwork visibility
4
value contrast
3
compositional simplicity
3
study guide
est. 8 hrsapproach — 8 steps
- step 01
Sketch the basic shapes of the composition: the buildings, trees, carriage, horse, dog, and flower bed.
- step 02
Block in the large areas of color: sky, ground, buildings, and foliage.
- step 03
Add details to the carriage, including the wheels, passengers, and canopy.
- step 04
Paint the horse and dog, paying attention to their simplified forms and proportions.
- step 05
Add details to the trees, using short, choppy brushstrokes to create texture.
- step 06
Paint the flowers in the foreground, using bright, cheerful colors.
- step 07
Refine the details and add any final touches.
- step 08
Add the artist's signature in the bottom right corner.
color palette
primary · red · white · green · brown
secondary · yellow · blue · black · orange
Mix greens by combining blues and yellows. Achieve browns by mixing reds, yellows, and blues. Lighten colors by adding white.
techniques
- ·flat color application
- ·dry brush texture
- ·simplification of forms
- ·visible brushstrokes
- ·layering
common pitfalls
- →overcomplicating the forms
- →using too many colors
- →blending colors too much
- →making the brushstrokes too small
materials
surface · canvas board
required
- ·acrylic paints
- ·canvas board
- ·assorted brushes
- ·palette
- ·water
- ·paper towels
optional
- ·palette knife
- ·easel
- ·varnish
Use inexpensive acrylic paints and brushes, as the focus is on learning the techniques rather than creating a masterpiece.
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