plate no. 0524
Deer
suitable for beginners
This painting is great for learning simplified shapes and color blocking. Students will practice layering colors and creating texture with visible brushstrokes.
technical profile
palette complexity
2
brushwork visibility
4
value contrast
3
compositional simplicity
3
study guide
est. 6 hrsapproach — 8 steps
- step 01
Sketch the basic shapes of the deer, trees, lake, and houses.
- step 02
Block in the sky and lake with light blue.
- step 03
Paint the ground with green.
- step 04
Add the basic shapes of the trees and houses using flat colors.
- step 05
Layer different shades of yellow, orange, and red to create the autumn foliage.
- step 06
Paint the deer with brown and add white spots.
- step 07
Add reflections in the lake using slightly darker versions of the colors above.
- step 08
Add details like tree trunks and branches with dark brown or black.
color palette
primary · light blue · green · yellow · brown
secondary · orange · red · white · dark green
Mix different shades of green by adding yellow or blue to the base green. Create browns by mixing red, yellow, and blue. Lighten colors with white.
techniques
- ·flat color application
- ·layering
- ·visible brushstrokes
- ·simplified shapes
- ·color blocking
common pitfalls
- →over-blending colors
- →making the shapes too detailed
- →using too many colors
- →not simplifying the composition
materials
surface · stretched canvas
required
- ·acrylic paints
- ·canvas or painting panel
- ·assorted flat brushes
- ·palette
- ·water
- ·paper towels
optional
- ·palette knife
- ·easel
- ·medium (for acrylics)
Use heavy body acrylics for better coverage and texture. A square canvas would suit the composition well.
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