plate no. 6174

In the Forest

Arkady Rylov, 1905

oilSymbolismlandscapetreesforesthorsefigurelandscapecarriage

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students practice layering techniques and color mixing to achieve realistic light and shadow effects in a complex scene. It also provides experience in depicting organic forms and textures, such as tree bark and foliage.

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 horse, figure, and the overall arrangement of the trees.
step 02
Establish the background by painting the distant trees with lighter, cooler tones to create depth.
step 03
Block in the main shapes of the horse and foal with broad strokes, paying attention to their proportions and anatomy.
step 04
Begin layering the foliage and ground cover, using a variety of greens and browns to create texture and depth.
step 05
Add details to the trees, including the characteristic markings of the birch bark.
step 06
Refine the figures of the horse, foal and the person, adding details to their forms and clothing.
step 07
Adjust the values and colors throughout the painting to create a sense of light and atmosphere.
step 08
Add final details, such as small flowers and highlights, to complete the painting.

color palette

primary · titanium white · viridian green · raw umber

secondary · cadmium yellow · alizarin crimson · ultramarine blue

Achieve the subtle greens by mixing viridian green with cadmium yellow and titanium white. Create the browns by mixing raw umber with alizarin crimson and ultramarine blue.

techniques