plate no. 0334

Garden, Ablon

Émilie Charmy, 1924

oilExpressionismlandscapegardenbuildingfoliagepathdoorwindows

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students practice layering colors to create depth and using visible brushstrokes to convey texture. It also offers a good exercise in capturing the interplay of light and shadow in a garden setting.

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 building, path, and foliage.
step 02
Block in the main colors of the building, using a muted blue-green.
step 03
Establish the dark greens of the foliage, varying the tones slightly.
step 04
Paint the path with a light ochre color, adding shadows for depth.
step 05
Add details to the windows and door, using grays and whites.
step 06
Layer lighter greens and yellows on the foliage to suggest sunlight.
step 07
Refine the edges and add final touches to the overall composition.
step 08
Add highlights to the foliage and path to create a sense of light.

color palette

primary · viridian green · titanium white · yellow ochre

secondary · burnt umber · cadmium yellow · payne's grey

Mix greens by combining viridian green with yellow ochre and titanium white. Use burnt umber to darken the greens and create shadows. Mix Payne's Grey with white for the building.

techniques