plate no. 9358
COTTAGES ON THE OUTSKIRTS OFBANFFY-HUNYAD
Marianne Stokes, 1909
some experience helpful
Recreating this painting will help students practice creating depth through atmospheric perspective and learn to simplify complex forms into basic shapes. It also provides practice in rendering textures with visible brushstrokes.
technical profile
palette complexity
3
brushwork visibility
4
value contrast
3
compositional simplicity
3
study guide
est. 8 hrsapproach — 8 steps
- step 01
Sketch the basic shapes of the buildings, horizon line, and major elements like the ox and cart.
- step 02
Block in the sky with light blue, adding soft white clouds.
- step 03
Establish the base color of the ground with a mix of browns and yellows.
- step 04
Paint the buildings with white, adding shadows with grays and browns.
- step 05
Add the dark brown color for the roofs, using short brushstrokes to suggest texture.
- step 06
Paint the ox and cart with dark browns and blacks, simplifying the details.
- step 07
Add the geese with white and gray, using quick, gestural strokes.
- step 08
Refine details and add highlights to create depth and interest.
color palette
primary · sky blue · titanium white · burnt umber · yellow ochre
secondary · raw sienna · ivory black · sap green
Mix various shades of brown for the ground and roofs by combining burnt umber, yellow ochre, and a touch of black. Create the sky by mixing sky blue with white, and add a touch of yellow for a warmer tone.
techniques
- ·dry brush texture
- ·atmospheric perspective
- ·broken color
- ·scumbling
- ·simplifying forms
common pitfalls
- →Overworking the details, losing the impressionistic feel.
- →Creating too much contrast, making the painting look harsh.
- →Not simplifying the forms enough, resulting in a cluttered composition.
- →Ignoring atmospheric perspective, making the background appear flat.
materials
surface · stretched canvas
required
- ·stretched canvas 12x16
- ·acrylic or oil paints
- ·round brushes (#2, #6)
- ·flat brush (#8)
- ·palette
- ·palette knife
- ·linseed oil (if using oil paints)
- ·mineral spirits (for cleaning brushes)
optional
- ·painting medium
- ·easel
- ·rags
Use a limited palette to simplify color mixing. Consider using a toned canvas to establish a base color.
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