plate no. 3741

Edge of the Oak Grove

Charles Reiffel, 1935

oilPost-Impressionismlandscapetreeslandscapefoliagepathshadows

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in layering colors to create depth and texture, and in capturing the subtle variations of light and shadow within a landscape. It also provides practice in depicting organic forms and creating a sense of atmosphere.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 12 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Sketch the basic composition, focusing on the placement of the trees and the path.
step 02
Establish the main areas of light and shadow with thin washes of color.
step 03
Begin layering in the darker tones of the tree trunks and foliage, using short, broken brushstrokes.
step 04
Add the lighter greens and yellows to the foliage, creating highlights and variations in color.
step 05
Develop the texture of the path with a mix of browns, grays, and creams, using a dry brush technique.
step 06
Refine the details of the foliage and the ground cover, adding small touches of color and texture.
step 07
Adjust the values and colors to create a sense of depth and atmosphere.
step 08
Add final highlights and details to complete the painting.

color palette

primary · sap green · raw umber · titanium white

secondary · yellow ochre · burnt sienna · ultramarine blue

Mix greens by combining sap green with yellow ochre and ultramarine blue. Create earth tones by mixing raw umber with burnt sienna and titanium white. Use white to lighten colors and create highlights.

techniques