plate no. 6672

In the Woods

canvas, oilAcademicismgenre paintingfigureschildrentreesfoliageforestlandscape

experienced study

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in portraiture, particularly rendering realistic skin tones and facial expressions, as well as understanding atmospheric perspective in a landscape setting.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 25 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Sketch the basic composition, focusing on the placement and proportions of the figures.
step 02
Establish the background with broad strokes, paying attention to the depth and atmospheric perspective.
step 03
Block in the main shapes and values of the figures, using a limited palette.
step 04
Begin refining the details of the faces, focusing on accurate proportions and subtle value changes.
step 05
Develop the clothing and hair, paying attention to the folds and textures.
step 06
Add details to the background foliage, using a variety of greens and browns.
step 07
Refine the lighting and shadows, creating a sense of depth and dimension.
step 08
Add final details and highlights to complete the painting.

color palette

primary · ivory black · raw umber · titanium white · yellow ochre

secondary · ultramarine blue · alizarin crimson · sap green

Mix various shades of green by combining yellow ochre, ultramarine blue, and a touch of ivory black. Achieve skin tones by blending titanium white, yellow ochre, alizarin crimson, and a small amount of raw umber.

techniques

·portraiture
·glazing
·scumbling
·blending
·atmospheric perspective

common pitfalls

→Overworking the details too early in the process.
→Failing to establish a strong value structure.
→Inaccurate proportions of the figures.
→Neglecting the atmospheric perspective in the background.

materials

surface · stretched canvas

required

·stretched canvas 18x24
·oil paints (ivory black, raw umber, titanium white, yellow ochre, ultramarine blue, alizarin crimson, sap green)
·linseed oil
·turpentine or odorless mineral spirits
·assorted round and flat brushes
·palette
·palette knife
·rags or paper towels