plate no. 9268
October
Eastman Johnson, 1873
experienced study
Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in rendering figures in shadow and creating depth through atmospheric perspective. It also provides practice in capturing the texture of foliage and the subtle variations in light and shadow.
technical profile
palette complexity
4
brushwork visibility
3
value contrast
4
compositional simplicity
3
study guide
est. 20 hrsapproach — 8 steps
- step 01
Begin with a light sketch outlining the main shapes: the figure, the tree, and the horizon line.
- step 02
Establish the darkest areas of the painting, focusing on the shadows under the tree and around the figure.
- step 03
Block in the general colors of the background, paying attention to the atmospheric perspective and the fading light.
- step 04
Start building up the details of the figure, focusing on the light and shadow on the face and clothing.
- step 05
Add the details of the tree, including the leaves, branches, and apples.
- step 06
Refine the details of the foreground, including the fallen apples and the path.
- step 07
Adjust the values and colors throughout the painting to create a sense of depth and atmosphere.
- step 08
Add final highlights and details to bring the painting to life.
color palette
primary · burnt umber · yellow ochre · ivory black · titanium white
secondary · sap green · cadmium red · ultramarine blue
Achieve the dark, rich tones by mixing burnt umber and ivory black. Use yellow ochre and titanium white to create the highlights on the figure and foliage. Mix sap green with yellow ochre and a touch of blue for the leaves.
techniques
- ·chiaroscuro
- ·atmospheric perspective
- ·scumbling
- ·glazing
- ·rendering
common pitfalls
- →Overworking the details in the shadowed areas, losing the sense of depth.
- →Failing to create a strong sense of atmospheric perspective, making the background appear flat.
- →Using colors that are too bright or saturated, disrupting the overall harmony of the painting.
- →Ignoring the subtle variations in light and shadow on the figure, resulting in a flat and lifeless portrayal.
materials
surface · stretched canvas
required
- ·stretched canvas 18x24
- ·burnt umber oil paint
- ·yellow ochre oil paint
- ·ivory black oil paint
- ·titanium white oil paint
- ·round brushes (sizes 2, 4, 6)
- ·flat brushes (sizes 4, 8)
- ·linseed oil
optional
- ·palette knife
- ·turpentine
- ·retouch varnish
Use high-quality oil paints for best results. A medium-tooth canvas will provide a good surface for capturing the details of the painting.
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