plate no. 3955
Lady in a Garden
Victor Borisov-Musatov, 1903
some experience helpful
Recreating this painting will help students practice capturing light and shadow in a garden setting and simplifying complex forms into basic shapes. It also provides an opportunity to explore color mixing for naturalistic greens and browns.
technical profile
palette complexity
3
brushwork visibility
4
value contrast
3
compositional simplicity
3
study guide
est. 8 hrsapproach — 7 steps
- step 01
Sketch the basic composition, focusing on the placement of the figure and the main elements of the garden.
- step 02
Block in the large areas of color, starting with the darkest and lightest values.
- step 03
Develop the background foliage using loose, expressive brushstrokes.
- step 04
Refine the figure's form and details, paying attention to the light and shadow on her dress and face.
- step 05
Add highlights and details to the foliage to create depth and texture.
- step 06
Adjust the overall color balance and value contrast to match the original painting.
- step 07
Add final touches and details.
color palette
primary · yellow ochre · sap green · burnt umber
secondary · titanium white · cadmium red light · ultramarine blue
Mix greens by combining yellow ochre, sap green, and ultramarine blue. Achieve browns by mixing burnt umber with yellow ochre and small amounts of red or blue.
techniques
- ·broken color
- ·scumbling
- ·alla prima
- ·color layering
common pitfalls
- →Overworking the details and losing the loose, expressive quality of the brushstrokes.
- →Creating muddy colors by overmixing.
- →Failing to establish a strong value structure.
- →Not capturing the subtle variations in color within the foliage.
materials
surface · stretched canvas
required
- ·stretched canvas 12x16
- ·oil paints: yellow ochre, sap green, burnt umber, titanium white, cadmium red light, ultramarine blue
- ·palette
- ·assorted brushes (round and flat)
- ·linseed oil
- ·turpentine or odorless mineral spirits
- ·palette knife
optional
- ·painting medium
- ·varnish
Using a limited palette will help to create a harmonious color scheme. Consider using a toned canvas to establish a base color.
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