Cottage by Martin Benka

plate no. 7331

Cottage

Martin Benka, 1920

oil, cardboardExpressionismlandscapecottagelandscapetreesfieldskyfence

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

·broken color
·scumbling
·layering
·dry brushing
·alla prima

common pitfalls

→Overworking the details and losing the overall impression.
→Using too much paint and creating a muddy effect.
→Neglecting the importance of value contrast.
→Failing to simplify complex forms.

materials

surface · stretched canvas

required

·stretched canvas
·oil paints
·palette
·palette knife
·#4 round brush
·#6 flat brush
·linseed oil
·odorless mineral spirits

optional

·painting medium
·easel
·varnish

Use a medium-tooth canvas for best results. Consider using a limited palette to simplify the color mixing process.

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