plate no. 0511

Nut Gatherers in the Forest

Homer Watson, 1900

oilImpressionismlandscapeforesttreesfiguresfoliagelandscapegathering

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in layering colors to create depth and capturing the texture of foliage with loose brushstrokes. It also provides practice in depicting figures within a landscape setting.

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 group of figures.
step 02
Establish the overall value structure with a thin wash of burnt umber or a similar earth tone.
step 03
Begin layering in the darker tones of the trees and foliage, using short, broken brushstrokes.
step 04
Add highlights to the foliage and ground, using lighter shades of yellow and orange.
step 05
Define the figures with simple shapes and colors, paying attention to their interaction with the environment.
step 06
Refine the details of the trees, adding texture and variation to the bark and leaves.
step 07
Soften the edges and blend the colors to create a sense of atmosphere.
step 08
Add final highlights and shadows to enhance the depth and dimension of the painting.

color palette

primary · burnt umber · yellow ochre · raw sienna

secondary · cadmium yellow · alizarin crimson · titanium white

Mix burnt umber with yellow ochre and white for the lighter areas of the foliage. Add alizarin crimson to burnt umber for the darker shadows. Use cadmium yellow sparingly for highlights.

techniques

·broken brushstrokes
·layering
·scumbling
·dry brushing
·atmospheric perspective

common pitfalls

→Overworking the details and losing the loose, impressionistic feel.
→Creating too much contrast and making the painting look harsh.
→Failing to establish a clear value structure early on.
→Ignoring the atmospheric perspective and making the background appear too sharp.

materials

surface · stretched canvas

required

·stretched canvas (12x16 or similar)
·oil paints (burnt umber, yellow ochre, raw sienna, cadmium yellow, alizarin crimson, titanium white)
·palette
·assorted brushes (round and flat)
·linseed oil or other painting medium
·palette knife
·rags
·odorless mineral spirits