plate no. 3866
Harvester
Ivan Generalić, 1939
some experience helpful
Recreating this painting will help students practice simplified forms and color blocking, as well as layering techniques to create depth in the wheat field and background landscape.
technical profile
palette complexity
3
brushwork visibility
4
value contrast
3
compositional simplicity
3
study guide
est. 12 hrsapproach — 8 steps
- step 01
Sketch the basic composition, focusing on the placement of the figures, trees, and horizon line.
- step 02
Block in the large areas of color: sky, wheat field, trees, and figures.
- step 03
Add details to the figures, including clothing and facial features.
- step 04
Develop the wheat field by layering different shades of yellow and brown to create texture.
- step 05
Paint the background landscape, simplifying the forms of the buildings and trees.
- step 06
Add highlights and shadows to create depth and dimension.
- step 07
Refine the details and add any final touches.
- step 08
Varnish the painting to protect it.
color palette
primary · yellow ochre · sap green · burnt umber · titanium white
secondary · cadmium yellow · ultramarine blue · alizarin crimson
Mix various shades of yellow and brown for the wheat field. Use white to lighten greens for the trees and sky. Mix crimson and white for the pink blanket.
techniques
- ·color blocking
- ·layering
- ·dry brushing
- ·simplified forms
- ·scumbling
common pitfalls
- →Overcomplicating the details of the wheat field.
- →Using too many colors and creating a muddy effect.
- →Ignoring the simplified forms and trying to create realistic details.
- →Not establishing a clear focal point.
materials
surface · stretched canvas
required
- ·stretched canvas
- ·acrylic paints
- ·#4 round brush
- ·#8 flat brush
- ·palette
- ·palette knife
- ·water container
- ·paper towels
optional
- ·medium gloss
- ·easel
- ·graphite pencil
Use a limited palette of colors to simplify the mixing process. Consider using a palette knife to apply paint for texture.
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