plate no. 2693

In the Artist’s Garden

Marie Duhem, 1906

oilPost-Impressionismlandscapegardentreebuildingfigurefoliagegrass

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in layering colors to create depth and texture, as well as simplifying complex scenes into basic shapes and values. It's a good exercise in capturing the impression of light and atmosphere.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 12 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Sketch the basic shapes: the building, the tree, the figure, and the overall composition.
step 02
Establish the main color blocks for the sky, building, foliage, and ground.
step 03
Begin layering colors within each area, starting with darker values and gradually adding lighter highlights.
step 04
Use short, broken brushstrokes to create texture and visual interest in the foliage and grass.
step 05
Define the form of the tree with variations in color and value, paying attention to the light source.
step 06
Add details to the building, such as windows and architectural features, using a smaller brush.
step 07
Refine the figure with subtle shading and highlights to give it form and dimension.
step 08
Add final touches and highlights to enhance the overall impression of light and atmosphere.

color palette

primary · yellow ochre · sap green · burnt sienna · titanium white

secondary · cadmium red · ultramarine blue · raw umber

Mix greens by blending yellow ochre and ultramarine blue. Create variations in the greens by adding white or burnt sienna. Achieve the red of the figure by mixing cadmium red with burnt sienna.

techniques