plate no. 1654
On the Way to the Market
Constant Troyon, 1859
experienced study
Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in atmospheric perspective, rendering animal forms, and creating a sense of movement and light. It also provides practice in layering and glazing techniques to achieve depth and luminosity.
technical profile
palette complexity
4
brushwork visibility
4
value contrast
4
compositional simplicity
3
study guide
est. 20 hrsapproach — 8 steps
- step 01
Sketch the basic composition, focusing on the placement of the animals, figures, and the building.
- step 02
Establish the overall value structure with a thin wash of burnt umber, paying attention to the light source.
- step 03
Block in the main color masses for the sky, trees, and ground, using a limited palette.
- step 04
Begin layering colors on the animals, starting with the darkest values and gradually adding highlights.
- step 05
Develop the details of the figures, paying attention to their anatomy and clothing.
- step 06
Refine the background elements, using soft, blended brushstrokes to create atmospheric perspective.
- step 07
Add final highlights and details to the animals and figures, using small brushes.
- step 08
Glaze the painting with thin layers of color to unify the composition and enhance the luminosity.
color palette
primary · burnt umber · yellow ochre · titanium white · ultramarine blue
secondary · cadmium yellow · alizarin crimson · viridian green
Achieve the warm, earthy tones by mixing burnt umber with yellow ochre and small amounts of red. Create atmospheric perspective by adding white and blue to the background colors.
techniques
- ·scumbling
- ·glazing
- ·dry brushing
- ·atmospheric perspective
- ·chiaroscuro
common pitfalls
- →Overworking the details too early in the process.
- →Failing to establish a strong value structure.
- →Using colors that are too saturated.
- →Neglecting the importance of atmospheric perspective.
materials
surface · stretched canvas
required
- ·stretched canvas 18x24
- ·oil paints (burnt umber, yellow ochre, titanium white, ultramarine blue, cadmium yellow, alizarin crimson, viridian green)
- ·linseed oil
- ·turpentine
- ·assorted brushes (round, flat, filbert)
- ·palette
- ·palette knife
- ·rags
optional
- ·medium gloss
- ·retouch varnish
- ·easel
Use high-quality oil paints for best results. Allow each layer to dry before applying the next.
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