plate no. 3427

July

Fairfield Porter, 1971

oilContemporary Realismgenre paintingfigurestreeslawnchairshousesky

some experience helpful

This painting helps students practice simplifying complex scenes into basic shapes and using color temperature to create depth. It also provides a good exercise in capturing light and shadow on various surfaces.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 8 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Lightly sketch the main shapes: the trees, the house, the figures, and the chairs, focusing on proportions and placement.
step 02
Block in the large areas of color: the sky, the grass, the trees, and the buildings, using thin washes.
step 03
Establish the light and shadow patterns on the grass and the trees, using darker greens and browns for the shadows.
step 04
Add the figures and chairs, paying attention to their shapes and proportions.
step 05
Refine the details of the trees, adding branches and leaves with short, broken brushstrokes.
step 06
Add the details of the figures and chairs, such as the clothing, faces, and the structure of the chairs.
step 07
Adjust the colors and values as needed to create a sense of depth and atmosphere.
step 08
Add final highlights and details to bring the painting to life.