plate no. 7354

Chestnut Trees at Louveciennes

oil, canvasImpressionismlandscapetreeslandscapeskybuildingsshadowsfigures

some experience helpful

This painting provides a good opportunity to practice layering colors and capturing the effect of light filtering through trees. Students will also learn to simplify complex shapes and create a sense of depth using color and value.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 8 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Sketch the basic composition, focusing on the placement of the trees and buildings.
step 02
Block in the sky with a light blue, varying the tone slightly.
step 03
Establish the ground plane with a base layer of brown and green.
step 04
Paint the tree trunks and branches, using a mix of browns and grays, and varying brushstrokes.
step 05
Add the shadows cast by the trees, using darker greens and browns.
step 06
Paint the buildings in the background, simplifying their forms and colors.
step 07
Add details to the trees, such as small branches and twigs.
step 08
Refine the colors and values throughout the painting, paying attention to the light and shadow.

color palette

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

secondary · sap green · cadmium red

Mix greens by combining yellow ochre and ultramarine blue, and vary the tones by adding white or burnt umber. Create browns by mixing burnt umber with yellow ochre and a touch of blue.

techniques