plate no. 1679

Landscape in Sussex

oilImpressionismlandscapetreeslandscapeskyfieldfoliagefigure

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in layering colors to create depth and texture, and in simplifying complex forms like trees and foliage into manageable brushstrokes.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 12 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Sketch the basic composition, focusing on the placement of the trees, horizon line, and figure.
step 02
Block in the sky with light blues and whites, using loose, horizontal brushstrokes.
step 03
Establish the base colors of the distant field, using yellows, greens, and browns.
step 04
Begin layering in the foliage, using a variety of greens and browns to create depth and texture.
step 05
Add details to the trees, focusing on the shapes of the leaves and branches.
step 06
Paint the figure with simple shapes and muted colors.
step 07
Refine the foreground with details like grass, dirt, and small plants.
step 08
Add final highlights and shadows to enhance the overall sense of depth and realism.

color palette

primary · sap green · cerulean blue · yellow ochre

secondary · burnt umber · titanium white · cadmium yellow light

Mix greens by combining blues and yellows. Use white to lighten colors and create highlights. Create earth tones by mixing browns with yellows and greens.

techniques

·broken color
·scumbling
·layering
·dry brushing
·atmospheric perspective

common pitfalls

→Overworking the details and losing the loose, impressionistic feel.
→Using too much detail in the background, which can flatten the image.
→Not varying the greens enough, resulting in a monotonous landscape.
→Making the figure too prominent, drawing attention away from the overall scene.