plate no. 6064

Grief

Anna Ancher, 1902

oil, canvasImpressionismsymbolic paintingfigurescrosslandscapeskygrasssunset

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in figure painting, particularly rendering skin tones and drapery, as well as creating atmospheric perspective in a landscape.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 15 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Sketch the basic composition, focusing on the placement of the figures and the cross.
step 02
Block in the sky and landscape with broad, muted tones.
step 03
Establish the basic values of the figures, paying attention to the light and shadow.
step 04
Begin to refine the shapes of the figures, adding details to the faces and clothing.
step 05
Develop the texture of the grass and other foreground elements.
step 06
Add highlights and shadows to create depth and dimension.
step 07
Refine the colors and values, paying attention to the overall harmony of the painting.
step 08
Add final details and adjustments as needed.

color palette

primary · raw umber · titanium white · yellow ochre

secondary · ultramarine blue · alizarin crimson · ivory black

Achieve the muted, atmospheric colors by mixing complementary colors and adding white to create tints. Use thin washes of color to build up layers and create depth.

techniques

·scumbling
·glazing
·dry brushing
·atmospheric perspective
·figure drawing

common pitfalls

→Overworking the details and losing the overall impressionistic feel.
→Creating harsh lines and edges instead of soft transitions.
→Failing to capture the subtle variations in skin tone.
→Ignoring the importance of atmospheric perspective in creating depth.

materials

surface · stretched canvas

required

·Stretched canvas 18x24
·Oil paints: raw umber, titanium white, yellow ochre, ultramarine blue, alizarin crimson, ivory black
·Palette
·Assorted brushes (round and flat)
·Linseed oil
·Odorless mineral spirits
·Palette knife
·Rags