plate no. 7331

Cottage

Martin Benka, 1920

oil, cardboardExpressionismlandscapecottagelandscapetreesfieldskyfence

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in layering colors to create depth and texture, as well as simplifying complex forms into basic shapes. It's a good exercise in capturing the essence of a scene rather than precise detail.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 8 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Sketch the basic shapes of the cottage, trees, and landscape, paying attention to proportions and placement.
step 02
Block in the main color areas with thin washes, establishing the overall color scheme.
step 03
Start building up layers of paint, focusing on the darker values first to create depth.
step 04
Add details to the cottage roof and walls, using short, broken brushstrokes to suggest texture.
step 05
Paint the foliage of the trees, varying the greens and yellows to create a sense of light and shadow.
step 06
Develop the foreground fence and field, using horizontal strokes to create a sense of perspective.
step 07
Refine the details and add highlights to create a sense of light and atmosphere.
step 08
Step back and assess the painting, making any necessary adjustments to color, value, or composition.

color palette

primary · yellow ochre · burnt umber · sap green · titanium white

secondary · cadmium yellow · ultramarine blue · raw sienna

Mix greens by combining yellow ochre, sap green, and ultramarine blue. Achieve earth tones by mixing burnt umber with yellow ochre and white. Use white to lighten colors and create highlights.

techniques