plate no. 3324

Girl with Goat

Clarence Gagnon, 1905

oilImpressionismlandscapetreeslandscapefiguregoatpathsky

some experience helpful

This painting provides a good opportunity to practice creating depth through atmospheric perspective and layering. Students can also learn to simplify complex forms into basic shapes.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 8 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Sketch the basic composition, focusing on the placement of the trees, figure, and horizon line.
step 02
Establish the background colors, using lighter and cooler tones to create atmospheric perspective.
step 03
Block in the dark tree trunks, paying attention to their verticality and spacing.
step 04
Add the foliage, using short, broken brushstrokes to suggest leaves and branches.
step 05
Paint the figure and goat, simplifying their forms and focusing on their overall shapes.
step 06
Refine the details, such as the texture of the ground and the highlights on the trees.
step 07
Add final touches to the sky and background, adjusting the colors and values as needed.
step 08
Let dry and add a varnish.

color palette

primary · burnt umber · ultramarine blue · titanium white

secondary · yellow ochre · raw sienna · payne's gray

Mix various shades of brown and gray by combining burnt umber, ultramarine blue, and white. Use yellow ochre and raw sienna to create warm highlights on the foliage.

techniques