plate no. 2646

Landscape at Vence - Little White House

Christopher Wood, 1927

oilNaïve Art (Primitivism)landscapetreeslandscapehousehillsfoliagesky

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students practice simplified forms, stylized brushwork, and creating depth through color and line. It also encourages experimentation with a limited color palette.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 8 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Sketch the basic shapes of the trees, hills, and house, focusing on proportions.
step 02
Block in the main color areas for the sky, hills, and ground using thin washes.
step 03
Add the darker tones for the tree trunks and foliage, defining their forms.
step 04
Paint the little white house, paying attention to its simple geometric shape.
step 05
Introduce the stylized brushstrokes for the foliage and ground, using short, deliberate marks.
step 06
Add the blue outlines to the trees and ground to define the shapes and add visual interest.
step 07
Refine the details of the trees and foliage, adding highlights and shadows.
step 08
Make final adjustments to the colors and values to create a cohesive composition.

color palette

primary · burnt umber · yellow ochre · Prussian blue · titanium white

secondary · cadmium red · sap green · gray

Mix the greens by combining yellow ochre and Prussian blue. Create various shades of brown by mixing burnt umber with yellow ochre and white. Use white to lighten the blues and browns for highlights.

techniques