plate no. 7026

My Shanty, Lake George

Georgia O'Keeffe, 1922

oilPrecisionismlandscapebarnlandscapetreesskycloudsgrass

some experience helpful

This painting is a good exercise in simplifying complex forms into basic shapes and understanding how to use color temperature to create depth. Students will also practice blending and layering colors to achieve the desired effect.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 8 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Sketch the basic shapes of the barn, hills, and trees, paying attention to proportions.
step 02
Block in the sky with light blue and grey, blending the colors softly.
step 03
Paint the distant hills with dark green, creating a sense of depth.
step 04
Add the darker greens for the trees on either side of the barn.
step 05
Mix the roof color and apply it to the barn roof, blending it smoothly.
step 06
Paint the walls of the barn with a mix of browns and reds, creating subtle variations.
step 07
Add the details of the window and door.
step 08
Finally, paint the foreground grass with yellows and oranges, adding highlights and shadows.

color palette

primary · Prussian Blue · Yellow Ochre · Burnt Umber · Titanium White

secondary · Cadmium Red · Sap Green · Payne's Grey

Mix greens by combining Prussian Blue and Yellow Ochre. Use white to lighten colors and Payne's Grey to darken them. Achieve the barn's color by mixing Burnt Umber and Cadmium Red.

techniques