plate no. 1146

Hauling timber

Hans Heysen, 1911

oilRealismlandscapetreeslandscapefigurecattleforestlogs

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in layering colors to create depth and capturing the texture of tree bark using visible brushstrokes. It also provides practice in depicting figures and animals within a landscape setting.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 12 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Sketch the basic composition, focusing on the placement of the trees and the horizon line.
step 02
Block in the main areas of color: sky, foliage, tree trunks, and ground.
step 03
Begin layering darker values to create shadows and define the forms of the trees.
step 04
Add lighter values to highlight areas where light is hitting the trees and foliage.
step 05
Refine the details of the tree bark, using short, textured brushstrokes.
step 06
Paint the figures and cattle, paying attention to their proportions and placement within the scene.
step 07
Add details to the ground, such as grass and fallen leaves.
step 08
Make final adjustments to the colors and values to create a sense of depth and atmosphere.

color palette

primary · raw umber · titanium white · sap green · ultramarine blue

secondary · burnt sienna · yellow ochre · cadmium yellow light

Mix greens by combining sap green with yellow ochre or cadmium yellow light. Create grays and browns by mixing raw umber, ultramarine blue, and titanium white. Use burnt sienna to add warmth to the tree trunks and ground.

techniques