plate no. 9877
Energy to meet the languid moods of spring (Cream of Wheat)
Haddon Sundblom, 1924
some experience helpful
Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in color mixing to achieve subtle variations and practice creating depth through atmospheric perspective. Students will also learn how to capture the essence of figures in a loose, impressionistic style.
technical profile
palette complexity
4
brushwork visibility
4
value contrast
3
compositional simplicity
3
study guide
est. 12 hrsapproach — 8 steps
- step 01
Lightly sketch the main shapes and figures, focusing on proportions and placement.
- step 02
Block in the main color areas with thin washes, starting with the background and working forward.
- step 03
Establish the light and shadow patterns on the figures and the house.
- step 04
Begin adding details to the figures, focusing on the faces and clothing.
- step 05
Develop the foliage and flowers using a variety of brushstrokes and colors.
- step 06
Refine the details and add highlights to create a sense of depth and dimension.
- step 07
Adjust the colors and values as needed to create a harmonious composition.
- step 08
Add final touches and details to complete the painting.
color palette
primary · titanium white · yellow ochre · cadmium red light · ultramarine blue
secondary · burnt sienna · sap green · violet · raw umber
Mix greens by combining yellow ochre and ultramarine blue, adjusting the ratio for different shades. Achieve skin tones by blending titanium white, cadmium red light, and yellow ochre, with small amounts of ultramarine blue for shadows.
techniques
- ·broken color
- ·scumbling
- ·alla prima
- ·atmospheric perspective
- ·implied detail
common pitfalls
- →Overworking the details and losing the loose, impressionistic feel.
- →Using too much detail in the background, which can flatten the image.
- →Not paying attention to the color temperature of the light and shadows.
- →Incorrect proportions of the figures
materials
surface · stretched canvas
required
- ·stretched canvas 16x20
- ·oil paints (titanium white, yellow ochre, cadmium red light, ultramarine blue, burnt sienna, sap green, violet, raw umber)
- ·palette
- ·linseed oil
- ·odorless mineral spirits
- ·assorted brushes (round and flat)
- ·palette knife
- ·rags
optional
- ·painting medium (e.g., Liquin)
- ·easel
- ·apron
Use a medium-grit canvas for better paint adhesion. Consider toning the canvas with a thin wash of burnt sienna to create a warm undertone.
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