plate no. 2792
Farmer with a Pitchfork
some experience helpful
Recreating this painting will help students understand how to simplify forms and use a limited palette to create a sense of depth and atmosphere. It also provides practice in capturing the human figure in a natural setting with expressive brushwork.
technical profile
palette complexity
3
brushwork visibility
4
value contrast
4
compositional simplicity
4
study guide
est. 8 hrsapproach — 8 steps
- step 01
Lightly sketch the basic composition, focusing on the placement of the figure and haystacks.
- step 02
Block in the large areas of color: the dark background, the field, and the figure's clothing.
- step 03
Establish the darkest and lightest values to create a sense of depth.
- step 04
Begin refining the shapes of the haystacks and the figure, paying attention to the light and shadow.
- step 05
Add details to the figure, such as the hat and the pitchfork.
- step 06
Develop the texture of the field with broken brushstrokes.
- step 07
Glaze the background to create depth.
- step 08
Add final highlights and details to complete the painting.
color palette
primary · red · green · brown · black
secondary · yellow · white
Mix various shades of green for the field by combining yellow, blue, and brown. Achieve the red of the shirt by mixing a cadmium red hue with a touch of brown or black to darken it. Create the dark background by mixing brown, black, and a touch of blue.
techniques
- ·blocking in
- ·dry brushing
- ·scumbling
- ·glazing
- ·chiaroscuro
common pitfalls
- →Overworking the details and losing the overall impression.
- →Using too many colors and creating a muddy effect.
- →Failing to establish a strong value structure.
- →Not simplifying the forms enough.
materials
surface · stretched canvas
required
- ·Stretched canvas 12x16
- ·Oil paints: red, green, brown, black, yellow, white
- ·Round brushes (sizes 2, 4, 6)
- ·Flat brushes (sizes 4, 8)
- ·Palette
- ·Palette knife
- ·Odorless mineral spirits
- ·Linseed oil
optional
- ·medium (e.g., Liquin)
- ·varnish
Use a limited palette to simplify the color mixing process. Consider using a toned canvas to establish a mid-tone value.
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