plate no. 6901
In the Garden
John Henry Twachtman, 1900
some experience helpful
Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in impressionistic brushwork and color mixing to capture light and atmosphere. It also provides practice in simplifying complex scenes into basic shapes and values.
technical profile
palette complexity
4
brushwork visibility
4
value contrast
3
compositional simplicity
3
study guide
est. 8 hrsapproach — 8 steps
- step 01
Lightly sketch the basic shapes: the path, steps, and main masses of foliage.
- step 02
Block in the main color areas with thin washes, focusing on the overall color harmony.
- step 03
Start building up layers of paint with short, broken brushstrokes to create texture and visual interest.
- step 04
Pay attention to the light and shadow patterns on the path and steps, using variations in color and value.
- step 05
Add details to the flowers and foliage, using smaller brushstrokes and brighter colors.
- step 06
Refine the edges and shapes of the objects, softening some and sharpening others to create depth.
- step 07
Add final highlights and shadows to enhance the sense of light and atmosphere.
- step 08
Step back and assess the painting, making any necessary adjustments to the composition, color, or value.
color palette
primary · yellow ochre · sap green · titanium white · ultramarine blue
secondary · burnt sienna · alizarin crimson · cadmium yellow light
Mix greens by blending yellow ochre and ultramarine blue with varying amounts of white. Achieve the pinks by mixing alizarin crimson and white, adding a touch of yellow for warmth.
techniques
- ·broken brushstrokes
- ·color mixing
- ·layering
- ·scumbling
- ·impasto
common pitfalls
- →Overworking the details
- →Using too much detail too early
- →Not paying attention to the light and shadow
- →Getting the colors too muddy
materials
surface · stretched canvas
required
- ·Stretched canvas 12x16
- ·Oil paints (yellow ochre, sap green, titanium white, ultramarine blue, burnt sienna, alizarin crimson, cadmium yellow light)
- ·Palette
- ·Assorted brushes (round and flat)
- ·Linseed oil
- ·Odorless mineral spirits
- ·Palette knife
- ·Rags
optional
- ·Retouch varnish
- ·Easel
- ·Medium (Liquin)
Use a medium-tooth canvas for better texture. Consider using a limited palette to simplify color mixing.
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