plate no. 1973

Haymaking (June and July)

oil, panelNorthern Renaissancegenre paintinglandscapefiguresfieldstreesmountainsvillage

experienced study

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in atmospheric perspective, figure drawing in a landscape, and creating a sense of depth through layering and color variation.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 25 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Lightly sketch the main compositional elements: the large rock formation, the horizon line, the fields, and the placement of the figures.
step 02
Establish the basic color blocks for the sky, distant mountains, and foreground fields using thin washes.
step 03
Begin layering in the darker tones of the trees and shadows, gradually building up the values.
step 04
Add details to the buildings and rock formations, paying attention to the light and shadow.
step 05
Start painting the figures, focusing on their gestures and proportions.
step 06
Refine the colors and values in the foreground, adding details to the plants and foliage.
step 07
Glaze over the painting to unify the colors and create a sense of atmosphere.
step 08
Add final highlights and details to the figures and foreground elements.

color palette

primary · yellow ochre · ultramarine blue · burnt umber · titanium white

secondary · cadmium red · sap green · raw sienna

Mix greens by combining yellow ochre and ultramarine blue. Achieve atmospheric perspective by adding white to the blues and greens for distant elements.

techniques