plate no. 7779

Landscape with figures

oilRealismlandscapelandscapefigurestreeswaterpathfoliage

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in layering colors to create depth and texture, as well as simplifying complex forms into basic shapes.

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 tree, figures, and path.
step 02
Block in the sky with a thin wash of pale yellow and white.
step 03
Establish the dark masses of the tree and foliage with dark browns and greens.
step 04
Paint the path and water using light browns, whites, and grays, suggesting reflections.
step 05
Add the figures with simple shapes and muted colors.
step 06
Develop the details of the foliage with short, broken brushstrokes.
step 07
Refine the values and colors throughout the painting, paying attention to the light source.
step 08
Add final highlights and details to the water and foliage.

color palette

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

secondary · cadmium yellow · raw sienna · ultramarine blue

Mix greens by combining yellow ochre and ultramarine blue, then adjust with white or burnt umber. Achieve the sky's subtle tones by blending white with small amounts of yellow ochre and a touch of blue.

techniques