plate no. 6185
Cottages of Auvers
Paul Cezanne, 1873
some experience helpful
Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in layering colors to create depth and texture, and in simplifying complex forms into basic shapes.
technical profile
palette complexity
3
brushwork visibility
4
value contrast
3
compositional simplicity
3
study guide
est. 8 hrsapproach — 8 steps
- step 01
Lightly sketch the basic shapes of the cottages, trees, and path.
- step 02
Block in the sky with a thin wash of blues and grays.
- step 03
Establish the main color masses for the cottages and foliage using broad strokes.
- step 04
Define the path with varying shades of yellow and brown, suggesting its winding form.
- step 05
Add details to the trees, focusing on their branching structure.
- step 06
Layer colors to create depth and texture in the foliage and rooftops.
- step 07
Refine the details of the cottages, including the chimneys and windows.
- step 08
Add final highlights and shadows to enhance the overall composition.
color palette
primary · yellow ochre · raw umber · Prussian blue · titanium white
secondary · sap green · burnt sienna
Mix greens by combining blue and yellow, and create earth tones by blending brown, yellow, and white. Use white to lighten colors and create highlights.
techniques
- ·broken color
- ·layering
- ·scumbling
- ·alla prima
- ·simplification of form
common pitfalls
- →Overworking the details and losing the impressionistic feel.
- →Creating muddy colors by over-mixing.
- →Failing to establish a clear focal point.
- →Not varying brushstrokes enough to create texture.
materials
surface · stretched canvas
required
- ·stretched canvas
- ·oil paints
- ·palette
- ·assorted brushes
- ·linseed oil
- ·turpentine
- ·palette knife
optional
- ·painting medium
- ·easel
- ·rags
Use a medium-grain canvas to allow for texture. Consider using a limited palette to simplify color mixing.
tips & new artworks in your inbox
no spam — unsubscribe anytime.
or to save artworks, chat, and track progress
related guides
in this vein
