plate no. 6618

Harvest

Constant Permeke, 1932

oilExpressionismlandscapelandscapefiguresharvestfieldskytrees

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in simplifying complex scenes into basic shapes and using a limited palette to create a cohesive and expressive artwork. It also encourages practice in depicting figures in a landscape with loose, expressive brushstrokes.

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 horizon line and the placement of the figures and landscape elements.
step 02
Block in the sky with a thin wash of yellow and orange.
step 03
Establish the dark masses of the trees and buildings in the background using a dark brown or umber.
step 04
Begin to define the field with broad strokes of brown and ochre, varying the tones slightly to create depth.
step 05
Add the figures, simplifying their forms and focusing on their gestures.
step 06
Refine the details of the landscape and figures, adding highlights and shadows to create form.
step 07
Use thicker paint and more visible brushstrokes to add texture and interest to the foreground.
step 08
Adjust the overall color balance and value contrast to create a harmonious and expressive painting.

color palette

primary · yellow ochre · burnt umber · raw sienna

secondary · cadmium yellow · ultramarine blue

Mix yellow ochre and burnt umber for the dominant earth tones. Add small amounts of ultramarine blue to darken the browns and create shadows. Use cadmium yellow to brighten the sky and add highlights.

techniques