plate no. 9565

Landscape with Figures

Christopher Wood, 1926

oilNaïve Art (Primitivism)landscapelandscapefigurestreesanimalshillssky

some experience helpful

This painting offers practice in simplifying complex scenes into basic shapes and using expressive brushstrokes to create texture and form. Students can learn to create depth through color and value variations in the landscape.

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 horizon line and major shapes.
step 02
Block in the sky with light blues and grays, creating cloud shapes.
step 03
Establish the background hills with varying shades of green, using lighter values for distant hills.
step 04
Paint the large tree mass, using dark greens and blues for shadows and lighter greens for highlights.
step 05
Add the figures and animals, simplifying their forms and using basic colors.
step 06
Paint the path and the structure with figures, paying attention to the perspective.
step 07
Add details like the fence and the red train.
step 08
Refine the brushstrokes and add final highlights and shadows.

color palette

primary · green · blue · brown · white

secondary · red · yellow · gray

Mix different shades of green by combining blue and yellow with varying amounts of white and brown. Create grays by mixing black and white, and adjust the tone with small amounts of blue or brown.

techniques