plate no. 0223

Garden

Niki de Sainte Phalle, 1972

oilNaïve Art (Primitivism)landscapelandscapebuildingsfiguresmountainsskypond

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in layering colors to create texture and in simplifying complex forms into basic shapes. It also encourages imaginative composition and storytelling through visual elements.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 12 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Sketch the basic shapes of the mountains, buildings, and pond, focusing on their relative sizes and positions.
step 02
Block in the sky with a light blue wash, allowing for variations in tone.
step 03
Paint the mountains with shades of pink and purple, using textured brushstrokes to mimic the felt-like appearance.
step 04
Apply a base coat to the buildings, then build up texture using small dabs of paint in various light colors.
step 05
Paint the green field, varying the shades to create depth and interest.
step 06
Add the pond with light blue and white, creating subtle ripples with brushstrokes.
step 07
Carefully paint the small figures and details, using a fine brush.
step 08
Add the yellow sun with thick paint, creating a raised texture.

color palette

primary · light blue · green · pink · white

secondary · yellow · purple · tan

Mix different shades of pink and purple by adding white or red to a base purple. Achieve the light blue of the sky by mixing white with a small amount of blue.

techniques