plate no. 0296

July Afternoon

Edward E. Simmons, 1906

oilRealismlandscapelandscapefieldtreesskygrassshadows

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in layering colors to create depth and capturing the effects of light and shadow on a landscape. It also encourages loose brushwork to suggest texture and detail.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 8 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Sketch the basic composition, focusing on the horizon line and the placement of the trees and field.
step 02
Establish the sky with a light blue wash, blending it softly.
step 03
Block in the distant landscape with muted greens and browns.
step 04
Lay in the base colors for the field, using a mix of greens, yellows, and browns.
step 05
Add shadows to the field, using darker greens and browns to create depth.
step 06
Paint the trees, focusing on capturing the shapes and textures of the foliage with broken brushstrokes.
step 07
Add highlights to the field and trees to create a sense of light and atmosphere.
step 08
Refine details and adjust values as needed to create a cohesive and balanced composition.

color palette

primary · yellow ochre · sap green · ultramarine blue · burnt umber

secondary · titanium white · cadmium yellow · raw sienna

Mix greens by blending yellow ochre and sap green, and create muted tones by adding a touch of burnt umber. Achieve the sky color by diluting ultramarine blue with white.

techniques