plate no. 2439
Children Playing in the Yard
Pekka Halonen, 1909
some experience helpful
This painting offers practice in capturing light and shadow on a large form (the rock) and rendering figures in a landscape. Students will also learn to create depth through color and brushstroke variations.
technical profile
palette complexity
3
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 rock, building, and figures.
- step 02
Block in the large shapes of color: sky, rock, grass, building, and figures.
- step 03
Establish the light and shadow on the rock, using cool blues and grays for shadows and warmer tones for highlights.
- step 04
Develop the background trees and foliage with loose, varied brushstrokes.
- step 05
Refine the figures, paying attention to their forms and the folds in their clothing.
- step 06
Add details to the building, such as windows and roof lines.
- step 07
Adjust the overall color harmony and value relationships.
- step 08
Add final details and highlights to bring the painting to life.
color palette
primary · titanium white · ultramarine blue · yellow ochre · burnt sienna
secondary · cadmium red · viridian green
Mix various shades of gray for the rock by combining white, blue, and a touch of burnt sienna. Achieve the greens by mixing yellow ochre and viridian green, adjusting the ratio for different values.
techniques
- ·broken color
- ·scumbling
- ·alla prima
- ·color temperature
- ·atmospheric perspective
common pitfalls
- →Overworking the details, losing the loose, impressionistic feel.
- →Creating muddy colors by over-mixing.
- →Ignoring the subtle color variations in the rock and grass.
- →Failing to establish a clear light source.
materials
surface · stretched canvas
required
- ·stretched canvas 12x16
- ·titanium white oil paint
- ·ultramarine blue oil paint
- ·yellow ochre oil paint
- ·burnt sienna oil paint
- ·round brushes (sizes 2, 6, 8)
- ·palette
- ·linseed oil
optional
- ·palette knife
- ·medium gloss
- ·easel
Use a medium-textured canvas to allow for expressive brushstrokes. Consider using a limited palette to simplify the color mixing process.
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