plate no. 4579

Ercildoune, near Ballarat

oilImpressionismlandscapetreeslandscapefigureskyfieldpath

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in atmospheric perspective and capturing the subtle variations in light and shadow within a landscape. It also provides practice in simplifying complex forms into basic shapes and using brushstrokes to suggest texture.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 8 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Sketch the basic composition, focusing on the placement of the trees, horizon line, and path.
step 02
Block in the sky with a thin wash of pale yellow and blue, blending the colors softly.
step 03
Establish the distant hills with a muted blue-gray tone, using a lighter value for the closer hills.
step 04
Paint the large tree on the right, starting with the trunk and branches, then adding the foliage with loose, broken brushstrokes.
step 05
Block in the field with a mix of greens, yellows, and browns, varying the colors to create depth.
step 06
Add the path using a lighter value of the field color, suggesting the texture with horizontal brushstrokes.
step 07
Paint the figure in the distance with simple shapes and muted colors.
step 08
Add final details, such as the fence, smaller trees, and highlights on the foliage.

color palette

primary · yellow ochre · ultramarine blue · burnt umber · titanium white

secondary · sap green · cadmium yellow light · raw sienna

Mix greens by blending yellow ochre and ultramarine blue. Achieve atmospheric perspective by adding white to colors for distant elements. Use burnt umber and white for the tree trunks and branches.

techniques

·atmospheric perspective
·broken color
·scumbling
·dry brushing
·alla prima

common pitfalls

→Overworking the details and losing the impressionistic feel.
→Using too much detail in the background, which can flatten the image.
→Creating overly saturated colors, which can detract from the muted palette.
→Neglecting the importance of value in creating depth and form.

materials

surface · stretched canvas

required

·stretched canvas (12x16 inches)
·oil paints (yellow ochre, ultramarine blue, burnt umber, titanium white, sap green)
·palette
·palette knife
·assorted brushes (round and flat)
·linseed oil
·odorless mineral spirits
·rags