plate no. 6390

Old Homestead Connecticut

Willard Metcalf, 1914

oilImpressionismlandscapebuildingtreeslandscapeskyfencepath

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in layering colors to create depth and atmosphere, and in using brushstrokes to suggest texture and form. It's also a good exercise in capturing the effects of light and shadow on a subject.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 12 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Sketch the basic composition, focusing on the placement of the building, tree, and fence.
step 02
Block in the large areas of color for the sky, building, and ground using diluted washes.
step 03
Establish the darkest shadows on the building and in the foliage.
step 04
Begin layering lighter tones on the building to suggest the effect of moonlight.
step 05
Add details to the tree, focusing on the shapes of the branches and leaves.
step 06
Refine the details of the fence and the path, paying attention to perspective.
step 07
Add highlights to the grass and foliage to create a sense of depth.
step 08
Add the small stars in the sky using small dots of white or yellow paint.

color palette

primary · Prussian blue · Yellow ochre · Titanium white

secondary · Burnt umber · Sap green · Cadmium yellow

Mix Prussian blue and yellow ochre to create the various shades of green for the foliage and grass. Use white to lighten the blues and greens for the sky and highlights on the building. Add burnt umber to darken the greens and create shadows.

techniques