plate no. 3268

In a Garden

oil, canvasImpressionismgenre paintingfiguresgardendressesbenchfoliagehats

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in capturing light and shadow with broken color and creating a sense of atmosphere through loose brushwork. Students will also practice painting figures in a landscape setting.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 15 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Sketch the basic composition, focusing on the placement of the figures and the bench.
step 02
Establish the background foliage with loose, broken brushstrokes, using a variety of greens and yellows.
step 03
Block in the main shapes of the figures, paying attention to the folds and drapery of the dresses.
step 04
Begin to refine the light and shadow on the figures, using a limited palette of colors.
step 05
Add details to the faces and hats, being careful not to overwork them.
step 06
Develop the texture of the bench and the ground with short, broken brushstrokes.
step 07
Add highlights and shadows to create depth and dimension.
step 08
Refine the overall composition and make any necessary adjustments.

color palette

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

secondary · cadmium red · viridian green · alizarin crimson

Mix various shades of green by combining yellow ochre, ultramarine blue, and a touch of burnt umber. Create the skin tones by mixing titanium white, yellow ochre, and a small amount of cadmium red.

techniques