plate no. 7400
Gathering the leaves
Ivan Generalić, 1943
some experience helpful
Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in layering colors to create depth and practicing detail work, especially in rendering the intricate branches and textures of the leaves.
technical profile
palette complexity
3
brushwork visibility
3
value contrast
3
compositional simplicity
3
study guide
est. 15 hrsapproach — 8 steps
- step 01
Sketch the basic composition, focusing on the placement of the figures, trees, and horizon line.
- step 02
Block in the large shapes of color for the sky, landscape, and figures using thin washes.
- step 03
Develop the background landscape, adding details to the trees, river, and distant buildings.
- step 04
Refine the figures, paying attention to the folds in their clothing and their proportions.
- step 05
Add details to the cart and the pile of leaves, using small brushstrokes to create texture.
- step 06
Paint the cows, focusing on their anatomy and the subtle variations in their white coats.
- step 07
Add final details and highlights to the entire painting, adjusting values as needed.
- step 08
Varnish the painting to protect it and enhance the colors.
color palette
primary · raw umber · titanium white · yellow ochre
secondary · burnt sienna · Prussian blue · cadmium red light
Achieve the muted tones by mixing earth tones with white and small amounts of blue or red. Use thin glazes to build up color and create depth.
techniques
- ·layering
- ·glazing
- ·dry brushing
- ·scumbling
- ·atmospheric perspective
common pitfalls
- →Overworking the details too early in the painting process.
- →Failing to establish a strong value structure.
- →Using colors that are too saturated.
- →Not paying attention to the proportions of the figures and animals.
materials
surface · stretched canvas
required
- ·stretched canvas
- ·raw umber oil paint
- ·titanium white oil paint
- ·yellow ochre oil paint
- ·#2 round brush
- ·#6 flat brush
- ·linseed oil
- ·palette
optional
- ·palette knife
- ·medium gloss
- ·easel
Use high-quality oil paints for best results. Thin the paints with linseed oil for glazing.
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