plate no. 7361

Harvest

Mykhailo Boychuk, 1910

gouache, paperNaïve Art (Primitivism)genre paintingfiguresharvesttreeslandscapemotherchild

some experience helpful

This painting offers a good opportunity to practice simplified figure drawing and color mixing with a limited palette. Students can learn to create depth and form using basic shading techniques and visible brushstrokes.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 8 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Lightly sketch the basic shapes and composition, focusing on the placement of the figures and trees.
step 02
Block in the background with a flat layer of blue gouache.
step 03
Start painting the figures, beginning with the larger shapes of their clothing.
step 04
Mix and apply the base colors for the skin tones, using light and shadow to define form.
step 05
Add details to the clothing, such as folds and textures, using visible brushstrokes.
step 06
Paint the trees and ground, using a combination of browns and greens.
step 07
Refine the details of the faces and hands, paying attention to the expressions.
step 08
Add final highlights and shadows to enhance the overall depth and contrast.

color palette

primary · Prussian blue · Yellow ochre · Burnt umber · Titanium white

secondary · Raw sienna · Ivory black

Mix yellow ochre and burnt umber to create various shades of brown for the figures' clothing and the landscape. Use white to lighten the colors for highlights and blue to create shadows.

techniques

·Flat washes
·Dry brushing
·Simplified figure drawing
·Color mixing with a limited palette
·Visible brushstrokes

common pitfalls

→Overworking the details
→Using too many colors
→Ignoring the basic shapes and proportions
→Creating muddy colors by overmixing

materials

surface · Watercolor paper 140lb

required

·Gouache paints
·Round brushes (various sizes)
·Flat brushes (various sizes)
·Watercolor paper
·Palette
·Water container
·Pencil

optional

·Palette knife
·Masking tape
·Easel

Using high-quality gouache paints will result in richer colors and better coverage. Experiment with different brush sizes to achieve various textures and effects.

tips & new artworks in your inbox

no spam — unsubscribe anytime.

or to save artworks, chat, and track progress

related guides

how to learn by studying the masters →

chat about this artwork

in this vein