plate no. 4059

Forest Edge in France

oilImpressionismlandscapetreeslandscapeskyfoliagefield

some experience helpful

This painting is a good exercise in capturing the essence of a landscape with loose brushwork and simplified forms. Students will learn to mix greens and create depth through layering and value changes.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 8 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Sketch the basic shapes of the trees and horizon line with a light pencil.
step 02
Block in the sky with broad strokes, using a mix of blues, grays, and a touch of green.
step 03
Establish the dark masses of the trees with a dark green mixture.
step 04
Add lighter greens and yellows to suggest foliage, using broken brushstrokes.
step 05
Paint the ground plane with a mix of greens and browns, varying the values to create depth.
step 06
Add details to the trees, such as individual leaves and branches, using a smaller brush.
step 07
Soften edges and blend colors where necessary to create a sense of atmosphere.
step 08
Add final highlights and shadows to enhance the form and create a focal point.

color palette

primary · dark green · gray · ochre

secondary · light green · blue · yellow

Mix greens by combining blues, yellows, and browns. Use white to lighten values and create highlights. Achieve atmospheric perspective by adding a touch of gray to distant colors.

techniques