plate no. 7958

Live Oaks

oilMagic Realismlandscapetreelandscapefieldbushesskyshadows

some experience helpful

This painting helps develop skills in layering colors to create texture and understanding how light and shadow define form. Students will also learn to simplify complex shapes into stylized forms.

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 tree and bushes.
step 02
Block in the large areas of color: the yellow field, the blue sky, and the dark masses of the bushes.
step 03
Begin layering colors on the tree trunk, using reds, blues, and yellows to create a textured effect.
step 04
Add details to the bushes, using small brushstrokes to create the impression of leaves and branches.
step 05
Define the shadows cast by the tree and bushes, using darker shades of yellow and brown.
step 06
Add the small details, such as the distant trees and the subtle variations in the sky.
step 07
Refine the edges of the shapes and blend the colors where necessary.
step 08
Add final highlights to the tree trunk and bushes to create a sense of depth.

color palette

primary · yellow ochre · ultramarine blue · burnt sienna · black

secondary · cadmium red · sap green · titanium white

Mix yellow ochre with small amounts of burnt sienna to create the base for the field. Use ultramarine blue and white for the sky, and mix various shades of green and red for the bushes. The tree trunk uses a mix of all colors, layered and blended.

techniques