plate no. 4088

On the Plane

Martin Benka, 1926

oilExpressionismlandscapesunflowersfieldmountainsskyfiguresclouds

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in layering colors to create depth and texture, as well as simplifying complex scenes into basic shapes and forms. Students will also learn how to create a sense of atmosphere and distance through color and value changes.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 10 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Sketch the basic composition, focusing on the placement of the sunflowers, mountains, and figures.
step 02
Block in the sky with light yellow and blue hues, blending softly.
step 03
Establish the mountain range using muted blues and greens, creating a sense of depth.
step 04
Lay in the base colors for the field, using a mix of yellows, browns, and greens.
step 05
Paint the sunflowers, starting with the dark centers and then adding the petals with varying shades of yellow.
step 06
Add details to the figures and the cart, keeping them simple and stylized.
step 07
Refine the foreground foliage, using thicker paint and visible brushstrokes to create texture.
step 08
Add final highlights and shadows to enhance the form and create a sense of light.

color palette

primary · yellow ochre · ultramarine blue · burnt umber · titanium white

secondary · cadmium yellow · sap green · raw sienna

Mix greens by combining yellow and blue. Achieve muted tones by adding a touch of burnt umber to your colors. Use white to lighten colors and create highlights.

techniques