plate no. 8691

MERRY SUMMER BIRCH

JAROSLAV KELUC, 1977

oilImpressionismlandscapetreeslandscapeskyfieldbirchfoliage

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in layering colors to create depth and texture, and in capturing the impressionistic style with visible brushstrokes.

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
Block in the sky with light blues and purples, blending softly.
step 03
Establish the distant landscape with muted greens and blues.
step 04
Paint the fields with layers of green, yellow, and brown, using short, broken brushstrokes.
step 05
Add the birch tree trunks with white and gray, indicating the characteristic markings.
step 06
Paint the foliage with a mix of yellows, oranges, and greens, using dabbing motions to create texture.
step 07
Add details to the foreground, such as grasses and fallen leaves, with varied colors.
step 08
Refine the overall composition and add highlights to create a sense of light and atmosphere.

color palette

primary · yellow ochre · sap green · cerulean blue · titanium white

secondary · burnt sienna · purple · cadmium yellow

Mix greens by combining blue and yellow, and create muted tones by adding small amounts of burnt sienna or purple. Use white to lighten colors and create highlights.

techniques

·broken color
·wet-on-dry layering
·scumbling
·impasto
·color mixing

common pitfalls

→Over-blending colors, which can result in a muddy appearance.
→Neglecting to vary brushstrokes, leading to a flat texture.
→Failing to establish a strong value structure, making the painting appear weak.
→Using colors straight from the tube without mixing, resulting in a lack of harmony.