plate no. 1201

Figure by Pool

Milton Avery, 1945

oilExpressionismlandscapefigurelandscapetreesrockspoolsky

suitable for beginners

This painting is a good exercise in simplifying forms and using a limited color palette to create a sense of place. Students will practice blocking in shapes and creating depth with subtle color variations.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 6 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Sketch the basic shapes of the landscape: the large rock, the pool, the trees, and the figure.
step 02
Block in the large areas of color: pink for the rock, green for the pool and trees, and a light tone for the sky.
step 03
Add darker tones to the trees to create the impression of foliage.
step 04
Mix a range of grays and purples for the rocks behind the pink rock, and apply with visible brushstrokes.
step 05
Refine the shape of the figure with light colors, keeping it simple and abstract.
step 06
Add subtle variations in color to the pink rock to give it form.
step 07
Check the overall balance of the painting and make any necessary adjustments.
step 08
Add the signature in the lower right corner.

color palette

primary · pink · green · light grey

secondary · dark green · black · purple · white

Mix pink by adding white to a red base. Achieve the tree green by mixing yellow and blue, then adding a touch of black. Create the rock colors by mixing white with small amounts of purple, blue, and black.

techniques