plate no. 4078

Laforge Family's House

Alfredo Andersen, 1912

oilImpressionismcityscapebuildinghousegardenfigurefoliagestairs

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in layering colors to create depth and capturing the impression of light and shadow on architectural forms and foliage. It also provides practice in depicting figures within a landscape setting.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 12 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Lightly sketch the basic shapes of the house, stairs, and figure, focusing on proportions and perspective.
step 02
Establish the main color blocks for the sky, building, and foliage using thin washes.
step 03
Begin layering colors on the building, adding details like the window and trim.
step 04
Develop the foliage by layering greens, blues, and browns to create depth and texture.
step 05
Paint the stairs and walkway, paying attention to the perspective and cast shadows.
step 06
Add the figure, simplifying the details and focusing on the overall form and color.
step 07
Refine the details of the foliage and architectural elements, adding highlights and shadows.
step 08
Add final touches and adjust colors as needed to achieve the desired impression.

color palette

primary · yellow ochre · burnt sienna · ultramarine blue

secondary · titanium white · sap green · raw umber

Mix greens by combining yellow ochre and ultramarine blue. Use white to lighten colors and create highlights. Create shadows by mixing burnt sienna and ultramarine blue.

techniques