plate no. 4879

Man Sitting on a Log

oilImpressionismgenre paintingfiguretreesfoliageloghatbook

some experience helpful

This painting provides practice in capturing a scene with soft edges and diffused light, focusing on layering and blending colors to create depth and atmosphere. Recreating this will help students develop skills in rendering form with subtle value changes and loose brushwork.

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 figure, log, and trees.
step 02
Establish the overall color scheme with a thin wash of diluted paint.
step 03
Block in the main shapes and values of the figure, log, and background.
step 04
Begin layering colors to build up the forms, paying attention to the light and shadow.
step 05
Refine the details of the figure, such as the hat and book.
step 06
Add texture to the trees and foliage with loose brushstrokes.
step 07
Blend and soften edges to create a sense of atmosphere.
step 08
Add final highlights and details to enhance the overall effect.

color palette

primary · raw umber · burnt sienna · ivory black · titanium white

secondary · sap green · yellow ochre

Mix greens by blending yellow ochre and a touch of black with white. Achieve the dark tones by mixing raw umber and ivory black. Use white to lighten values and create highlights.

techniques