plate no. 4767
Midsummer Eve
Jørgen Sonne, 1860
experienced study
Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in depicting figures in dynamic poses and understanding how light interacts with smoke and fire. It also provides practice in creating a sense of depth and atmosphere in a landscape.
technical profile
palette complexity
3
brushwork visibility
3
value contrast
4
compositional simplicity
2
study guide
est. 20 hrsapproach — 8 steps
- step 01
Sketch the basic composition, focusing on the placement of the bonfire, figures, and landscape elements.
- step 02
Establish the overall value structure by blocking in the dark areas of the landscape and figures.
- step 03
Begin layering in the colors of the sky, gradually blending from dark blue to lighter hues near the horizon.
- step 04
Paint the bonfire, starting with the brightest whites and yellows, then adding oranges and reds to create the illusion of flames.
- step 05
Add the smoke, using soft, blended brushstrokes to create a hazy effect.
- step 06
Paint the figures, paying attention to the way the firelight illuminates their faces and clothing.
- step 07
Add details to the landscape, such as the rocks, grass, and trees.
- step 08
Refine the details and adjust the values to create a sense of depth and atmosphere.
color palette
primary · ultramarine blue · burnt umber · titanium white
secondary · cadmium red · cadmium yellow · yellow ochre
Mix various shades of blue and white for the sky. Use burnt umber and white for the rocks and ground. Mix cadmium red and yellow for the firelight.
techniques
- ·glazing
- ·scumbling
- ·chiaroscuro
- ·atmospheric perspective
- ·figure drawing
common pitfalls
- →Overworking the details and losing the overall sense of atmosphere.
- →Failing to create a convincing illusion of fire and smoke.
- →Incorrectly rendering the figures' proportions and poses.
- →Not establishing a clear value structure before adding color.
materials
surface · stretched canvas
required
- ·stretched canvas 18x24
- ·titanium white oil paint
- ·ultramarine blue oil paint
- ·burnt umber oil paint
- ·cadmium red oil paint
- ·cadmium yellow oil paint
- ·round brushes (sizes 2, 4, 6)
- ·linseed oil
optional
- ·palette knife
- ·medium gloss
- ·yellow ochre oil paint
Use a high-quality canvas and oil paints for best results. Consider using a medium to thin the paints and improve their flow.
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