plate no. 1361

Fields around the Forest

oil, canvasImpressionismlandscapetreeslandscapeskyfieldfigureroad

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in color mixing for natural light and shadow, as well as layering brushstrokes to create texture and depth in foliage and landscapes.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 12 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Sketch the basic composition, focusing on the placement of the trees, road, and horizon line.
step 02
Block in the sky with light blue, gradually adding subtle variations in tone.
step 03
Establish the main masses of the trees with dark greens and blues, paying attention to the overall shape.
step 04
Begin layering in lighter greens, yellows, and blues to represent the foliage, using short, broken brushstrokes.
step 05
Paint the field with a mix of greens, yellows, and browns, varying the colors to suggest depth and texture.
step 06
Add the road with a mix of whites, grays, and blues, using horizontal strokes to create a sense of perspective.
step 07
Introduce the figure and hay bales, keeping them simple and suggestive.
step 08
Refine the details, adding highlights and shadows to enhance the form and create a sense of light.

color palette

primary · cerulean blue · yellow ochre · sap green

secondary · burnt umber · titanium white · ultramarine blue

Mix greens by combining blues and yellows, and use white to lighten colors and create highlights. Achieve earth tones by mixing browns, blues, and yellows.

techniques