plate no. 6036

Landscape in Provence

oil, canvasImpressionismlandscapelandscapetreespathhillsbuildingssky

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in layering colors to create depth and texture, and in simplifying complex forms into basic shapes. It also provides practice in capturing the essence of a landscape with loose, expressive brushstrokes.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 8 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Sketch the basic composition, focusing on the placement of the horizon line, path, and main landscape elements.
step 02
Block in the sky with a thin wash of light gray and beige.
step 03
Establish the main areas of green in the landscape, using different shades and values to create depth.
step 04
Add the darker tones for the trees and foliage, using short, broken brushstrokes.
step 05
Paint the path with a mix of earth tones, varying the color and value to suggest its winding form.
step 06
Add the small buildings, paying attention to their simple shapes and light.
step 07
Refine the details of the foliage and add highlights to create a sense of light and shadow.
step 08
Review and adjust the overall color balance and value contrast.

color palette

primary · sap green · yellow ochre · raw umber · titanium white

secondary · burnt sienna · ultramarine blue

Mix greens by combining yellow ochre and ultramarine blue with varying amounts of white. Use burnt sienna and raw umber to create earth tones for the path and trees. Add small amounts of ultramarine blue to darken the greens and browns.

techniques