plate no. 3873

Lenghtening Shadows

oilImpressionismlandscapetreesfieldlandscapeshadowsskyfoliage

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in color mixing to achieve subtle variations in light and shadow, and practice layering brushstrokes to create texture and depth in foliage and grass.

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 trees and the horizon line.
step 02
Establish the sky with a light, blended wash of yellow and white.
step 03
Block in the large shapes of the field with varying shades of green and yellow, paying attention to the shadows.
step 04
Add the trees, starting with the trunks and branches, then layering in the foliage with short, broken brushstrokes.
step 05
Develop the foreground with more detail, adding texture to the grass and rocks.
step 06
Refine the shadows and highlights to create depth and dimension.
step 07
Add final details, such as small branches and leaves.
step 08
Review the painting and make any necessary adjustments to color, value, and composition.

color palette

primary · yellow ochre · viridian green · titanium white

secondary · burnt umber · cadmium yellow · ultramarine blue

Mix greens by blending viridian green with yellow ochre and/or cadmium yellow. Use burnt umber to darken greens and create shadows. Add white to lighten colors and create highlights.

techniques