plate no. 1194
Girl in a Landscape
Fairfield Porter, 1965
some experience helpful
Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in simplifying complex forms into basic shapes and using color temperature to create depth and form. It also provides practice in capturing natural light and shadow.
technical profile
palette complexity
3
brushwork visibility
4
value contrast
3
compositional simplicity
4
study guide
est. 8 hrsapproach — 8 steps
- step 01
Sketch the basic shapes and composition, focusing on the placement of the figure and the horizon line.
- step 02
Block in the large areas of color, starting with the sky and water.
- step 03
Establish the basic values of the landscape, paying attention to the light and shadow.
- step 04
Paint the figure, focusing on the simplified shapes and colors of the clothing and skin tones.
- step 05
Add details to the landscape, such as the trees, rocks, and vegetation.
- step 06
Refine the edges and details of the figure, paying attention to the light and shadow.
- step 07
Add final highlights and shadows to create depth and dimension.
- step 08
Step back and assess the painting, making any necessary adjustments.
color palette
primary · ultramarine blue · yellow ochre · titanium white
secondary · cadmium red · viridian green
Mix greens by combining yellow ochre and viridian green. Achieve skin tones by mixing cadmium red, yellow ochre, and titanium white. Vary the blues for the water and sky by adding white and small amounts of red or green.
techniques
- ·blocking in
- ·color mixing
- ·broken color
- ·scumbling
- ·simplification
common pitfalls
- →Overworking the details and losing the freshness of the brushstrokes.
- →Failing to simplify the forms and shapes.
- →Not paying attention to the color temperature and value relationships.
- →Getting bogged down in details too early.
materials
surface · stretched canvas
required
- ·stretched canvas
- ·oil paints
- ·palette
- ·palette knife
- ·assorted brushes
- ·linseed oil
- ·mineral spirits
optional
- ·painting medium
- ·easel
- ·rags
Use a medium-textured canvas to allow for expressive brushstrokes. Consider using a limited palette to simplify the color mixing process.
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