plate no. 6374
In the Luxembourg gardens
Rupert Bunny, 1909
some experience helpful
This painting offers a chance to practice capturing figures in a loose, impressionistic style and understanding how light affects color in an outdoor setting. Students can develop skills in color mixing to create subtle variations in light and shadow.
technical profile
palette complexity
4
brushwork visibility
4
value contrast
3
compositional simplicity
2
study guide
est. 12 hrsapproach — 8 steps
- step 01
Lightly sketch the main shapes and figures, focusing on composition.
- step 02
Block in the large areas of color, starting with the background trees and ground.
- step 03
Establish the light and shadow patterns on the figures and objects.
- step 04
Begin adding details to the figures, such as clothing and facial features.
- step 05
Refine the colors and values, paying attention to the subtle shifts in tone.
- step 06
Add highlights and details to create depth and dimension.
- step 07
Use broken brushstrokes to create texture and visual interest.
- step 08
Step back and assess the overall balance and harmony of the painting.
color palette
primary · ivory black · raw umber · titanium white · cerulean blue
secondary · yellow ochre · cadmium red light · viridian
Mix various shades of green for the foliage by combining viridian, yellow ochre, and ivory black. Achieve the skin tones by blending titanium white, cadmium red light, and a touch of raw umber.
techniques
- ·broken brushstrokes
- ·color mixing
- ·value studies
- ·scumbling
- ·alla prima
common pitfalls
- →Overworking the details and losing the impressionistic feel.
- →Using too much detail in the background.
- →Not paying attention to the subtle shifts in color and value.
- →Creating muddy colors by overmixing.
materials
surface · stretched canvas
required
- ·stretched canvas 18x24
- ·oil paints
- ·#4 round brush
- ·#8 flat brush
- ·palette
- ·linseed oil
- ·turpentine
- ·palette knife
optional
- ·painting medium
- ·varnish
- ·easel
Use a medium-tooth canvas for better texture. Consider using a limited palette to simplify color mixing.
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