plate no. 4773

Cottages in Cornwall

Christopher Wood, 1928

oilNaïve Art (Primitivism)landscapecottagestreesfigureslandscapeskygarden

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students practice simplifying complex scenes into basic shapes and using a limited color palette to create a cohesive and expressive landscape. It also encourages experimentation with visible brushstrokes to add texture and character.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 8 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Lightly sketch the basic shapes of the cottages, trees, and figures, focusing on their relative sizes and positions.
step 02
Block in the sky with a mix of gray and white, using broad brushstrokes.
step 03
Establish the main areas of color for the cottages (dark green/brown), roofs (brown), and the ground (brown/green).
step 04
Paint the trees with varying shades of gray, paying attention to the branching patterns.
step 05
Add the figures with simple shapes and limited detail, using white and dark tones.
step 06
Develop the garden area with short, broken brushstrokes of brown, green, and white to suggest foliage.
step 07
Add details like windows, chimneys, and branches with smaller brushes.
step 08
Refine the overall composition by adjusting values and adding highlights where needed.

color palette

primary · gray · brown · green · white

secondary · red-brown · dark green

Mix grays by combining white with small amounts of black, brown, and blue. Achieve earthy browns by mixing burnt umber with yellow ochre and a touch of red. Vary greens by mixing yellow with blue and adding brown to dull the tones.

techniques