plate no. 2534
Evening
Paul Serusier, 1884
some experience helpful
Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in atmospheric perspective and creating a sense of depth through subtle value and color changes. It also provides practice in painting soft, diffused light and rendering animal forms.
technical profile
palette complexity
4
brushwork visibility
3
value contrast
3
compositional simplicity
3
study guide
est. 12 hrsapproach — 8 steps
- step 01
Sketch the basic composition, focusing on the placement of the horizon line, the shepherd, and the sheep.
- step 02
Establish the overall color scheme with a thin wash of diluted paint, focusing on the sky and distant hills.
- step 03
Block in the main shapes of the shepherd, dog, and sheep, paying attention to their relative sizes and positions.
- step 04
Begin to develop the atmospheric perspective by layering lighter, cooler tones in the distance and warmer, darker tones in the foreground.
- step 05
Refine the details of the shepherd's figure and clothing, adding subtle highlights and shadows.
- step 06
Add details to the sheep, using short, broken brushstrokes to suggest their woolly texture.
- step 07
Paint the foreground details, such as the grass and dirt path, using a variety of brushstrokes to create texture and interest.
- step 08
Add final highlights and shadows to create a sense of depth and realism.
color palette
primary · ultramarine blue · burnt umber · titanium white
secondary · yellow ochre · raw sienna
Achieve the muted tones by mixing complementary colors and adding white. Use thin glazes to build up color and create depth.
techniques
- ·atmospheric perspective
- ·glazing
- ·dry brushing
- ·scumbling
- ·soft blending
common pitfalls
- →Overworking the details and losing the overall sense of atmosphere.
- →Using colors that are too saturated and not muted enough.
- →Failing to create a strong sense of depth and distance.
- →Making the sheep look too uniform and lacking individual character.
materials
surface · stretched canvas
required
- ·stretched canvas
- ·ultramarine blue oil paint
- ·burnt umber oil paint
- ·titanium white oil paint
- ·yellow ochre oil paint
- ·raw sienna oil paint
- ·round brushes (sizes 2, 4, 6)
- ·linseed oil
optional
- ·palette knife
- ·painting medium
- ·varnish
Use a medium-grain canvas for best results. Consider using a pre-toned canvas to save time.
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