plate no. 7651

Haystack

woodRealismlandscapebuildingtreeslandscapeskyfoliagehaystack

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in layering paint to create depth and texture, as well as understanding how to use a limited palette to achieve color harmony. It also provides practice in capturing the essence of a scene with loose, expressive 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: the haystack, trees, and horizon line.
step 02
Block in the sky with a thin wash of blue and white.
step 03
Establish the main values of the haystack using burnt umber and raw sienna, focusing on light and shadow.
step 04
Add the dark masses of the trees, paying attention to their shapes and placement.
step 05
Begin layering greens and browns for the foliage in the foreground, using broken brushstrokes.
step 06
Refine the details of the haystack, adding texture and highlights.
step 07
Add details to the trees, suggesting leaves and branches with small, deliberate strokes.
step 08
Make final adjustments to the values and colors to create a sense of depth and atmosphere.

color palette

primary · burnt umber · raw sienna · titanium white · cerulean blue

secondary · sap green · yellow ochre

Mix various shades of brown by combining burnt umber and raw sienna. Create greens by mixing blue and yellow ochre, and adjust the value with white or umber.

techniques