plate no. 1184

Landscape with Figure. Study for 'La Grande Jatte'

oil, woodImpressionismlandscapetreeswaterfigureslandscapefoliageriver

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in broken color techniques and layering brushstrokes to create texture and depth. It also provides practice in simplifying complex scenes into basic shapes and colors.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 8 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Lightly sketch the basic composition, including the horizon line, trees, and figures.
step 02
Block in the large areas of color: the sky/water, the foliage, and the tree trunks.
step 03
Begin layering short, broken brushstrokes of different colors to create the impression of light and texture in the water and foliage.
step 04
Add darker values to create shadows and depth within the foliage and under the trees.
step 05
Refine the shapes of the trees and figures, using darker colors to define their forms.
step 06
Add highlights to the water and foliage to create a sense of sparkle and vibrancy.
step 07
Continue layering and blending colors until the desired effect is achieved.
step 08
Add final details and adjust values as needed.

color palette

primary · sap green · yellow ochre · ultramarine blue · burnt umber

secondary · titanium white · cadmium yellow · alizarin crimson

Mix greens by combining yellow ochre and ultramarine blue. Create variations in the foliage by adding small amounts of alizarin crimson or burnt umber to the green mixture. Use white to lighten colors and create highlights.

techniques