plate no. 3960

Homeward at milking-time. Evening. Saltholm

oilImpressionismanimal paintingcowsgeesewaterbuildingslandscapesky

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in depicting reflections in water and creating depth through atmospheric perspective. It also provides practice in painting animals in a natural 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, including the horizon line, buildings, water, and placement of the animals.
step 02
Block in the sky with light blue, gradually adding subtle variations in tone.
step 03
Establish the base colors for the landscape, focusing on the overall green tones and variations.
step 04
Paint the water, capturing the reflections of the sky and surrounding landscape.
step 05
Add the buildings in the background, paying attention to their relative size and placement.
step 06
Paint the cows and geese, starting with the larger shapes and adding details as you go.
step 07
Refine the details in the foreground, including the grass, water edges, and any small plants.
step 08
Add final highlights and shadows to create depth and dimension.

color palette

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

secondary · cadmium yellow · raw sienna · ultramarine blue

Mix greens by combining blues and yellows, adjusting the ratio for different shades. Use white to lighten colors and create highlights. Create browns by mixing umber with yellows and reds.

techniques