plate no. 5438

Kansas Cornfield

John Steuart Curry, 1933

oilRegionalismlandscapecornfieldlandscapeplantsskyfoliage

some experience helpful

This painting is a good exercise in layering and creating depth through color variations and brushwork. Students can learn to depict organic shapes and textures using a limited color palette.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 12 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Sketch the basic composition, paying attention to the placement of the corn stalks and the horizon line.
step 02
Establish the background sky with light blue washes, leaving some areas white for clouds.
step 03
Block in the main shapes of the corn stalks and leaves with a base layer of green and yellow.
step 04
Add darker greens and browns to create shadows and depth within the foliage.
step 05
Paint the corn tassels with a mix of yellow, orange, and white, using short, broken brushstrokes.
step 06
Develop the foreground soil with browns and reds, adding texture with dry brush techniques.
step 07
Refine the details of the corn stalks and leaves, adding highlights and shadows to create form.
step 08
Add final touches and adjust colors as needed to achieve the desired effect.

color palette

primary · yellow green · yellow ochre · burnt umber

secondary · sky blue · titanium white · cadmium yellow

Mix greens by combining yellow ochre and burnt umber, adjusting the ratio for lighter and darker shades. Use titanium white to lighten colors and create highlights.

techniques