plate no. 7916

Oaks in Green

oilExpressionismlandscapetreeslandscapefoliageskyshadowsgrass

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in impasto techniques, color mixing for natural light, and creating depth through layering and brushstroke direction. It also encourages expressive mark-making and simplification of complex forms.

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 trees and ground, focusing on composition.
step 02
Block in the sky with light blue, leaving space for the foliage.
step 03
Establish the main areas of light and shadow on the trees with dark and light greens.
step 04
Apply thick, short brushstrokes of various greens, yellows, and blues to represent the foliage.
step 05
Add details to the tree trunks and branches using dark browns and purples.
step 06
Paint the ground with a mix of greens, yellows, and purples, using directional strokes to suggest form.
step 07
Refine the highlights and shadows, adding small touches of color to create visual interest.
step 08
Add final details and adjust the overall balance of the painting.

color palette

primary · sap green · cerulean blue · lemon yellow · burnt umber

secondary · purple · cadmium yellow · titanium white

Mix greens by combining blues and yellows, adding small amounts of red or brown to create muted tones. Use white to lighten colors and create highlights, and mix purples with red and blue for shadows.

techniques