plate no. 4165
Nightfall (The Gleaners)
Henry Herbert La Thangue, 1895
some experience helpful
Recreating this painting will help students understand how to create atmosphere with color and value, and how to suggest detail rather than rendering every element precisely. Students will also learn how to create a focal point using light and contrast.
technical profile
palette complexity
3
brushwork visibility
4
value contrast
4
compositional simplicity
3
study guide
est. 12 hrsapproach — 8 steps
- step 01
Sketch the basic composition, focusing on the placement of the figures and the horizon line.
- step 02
Establish the overall value structure by blocking in the dark areas of the figures and the sky.
- step 03
Begin layering in the mid-tones of the field and the figures' clothing.
- step 04
Mix and apply the colors for the moon and the surrounding sky, creating a soft glow.
- step 05
Add details to the figures, focusing on the highlights and shadows to define their forms.
- step 06
Use short, broken brushstrokes to create the texture of the field and the bundles of wheat.
- step 07
Refine the edges of the figures and the objects in the background to create depth.
- step 08
Add final highlights to the moon and the figures to enhance the sense of light and atmosphere.
color palette
primary · yellow ochre · burnt umber · ultramarine blue
secondary · raw sienna · titanium white · ivory black
Achieve the muted tones by mixing complementary colors and adding white or black to adjust the value. Use yellow ochre and white for the moon, and ultramarine blue and burnt umber for the sky.
techniques
- ·scumbling
- ·dry brushing
- ·glazing
- ·chiaroscuro
- ·atmospheric perspective
common pitfalls
- →Overworking the details and losing the overall sense of atmosphere.
- →Using colors that are too bright or saturated.
- →Failing to create a strong focal point with light and contrast.
- →Not paying attention to the relative values of the different elements in the painting.
materials
surface · stretched canvas
required
- ·stretched canvas 18x24
- ·oil paints (yellow ochre, burnt umber, ultramarine blue, raw sienna, titanium white, ivory black)
- ·assorted brushes (round and flat)
- ·palette
- ·linseed oil
- ·turpentine
- ·palette knife
- ·rags
optional
- ·medium gloss
- ·retouch varnish
- ·easel
Use a medium-grit canvas for best results. Consider toning the canvas with a thin wash of burnt umber before beginning to paint.
tips & new artworks in your inbox
no spam — unsubscribe anytime.
or to save artworks, chat, and track progress
related guides
in this vein
