plate no. 5807
Farm in Normandy
Berthe Morisot, 1860
some experience helpful
Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in layering colors to create depth and atmosphere, and in capturing the essence of a scene with loose, expressive brushstrokes. It also encourages observation of subtle color variations in nature.
technical profile
palette complexity
3
brushwork visibility
4
value contrast
3
compositional simplicity
3
study guide
est. 8 hrsapproach — 8 steps
- step 01
Sketch the basic composition, focusing on the placement of the building, trees, and animals.
- step 02
Block in the main color areas with thin washes of color, establishing the overall value structure.
- step 03
Begin layering darker values in the trees and shadows to create depth.
- step 04
Add highlights to the foliage and building to suggest light and form.
- step 05
Develop the details of the building, including windows and doors, using small brushstrokes.
- step 06
Paint the animals with simple shapes and colors, paying attention to their relative sizes and positions.
- step 07
Refine the details and add final touches, such as small branches and highlights.
- step 08
Step back and adjust the overall balance of color and value.
color palette
primary · burnt umber · raw sienna · titanium white
secondary · sap green · ultramarine blue · yellow ochre
Achieve the greens by mixing yellow ochre and ultramarine blue. Vary the browns by adding burnt umber to raw sienna and white.
techniques
- ·broken color
- ·scumbling
- ·wet-on-dry layering
- ·atmospheric perspective
- ·alla prima
common pitfalls
- →Overworking the details and losing the loose, impressionistic feel.
- →Creating muddy colors by overmixing.
- →Ignoring the subtle value shifts that create depth.
- →Failing to establish a strong focal point.
materials
surface · stretched canvas
required
- ·stretched canvas
- ·burnt umber oil paint
- ·raw sienna oil paint
- ·titanium white oil paint
- ·sap green oil paint
- ·round brushes size 2, 4, 6
- ·linseed oil
optional
- ·palette knife
- ·medium gloss
- ·turpentine
Use a limited palette to maintain color harmony. Thin the paint with linseed oil for smoother blending.
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