plate no. 4146

Our Back Yard When I was Young

oilRealismlandscapefieldtreesskygrassflowersfoliage

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in layering colors to create depth and texture, as well as simplifying complex forms into expressive brushstrokes. It's a good exercise in capturing the essence of a landscape rather than precise detail.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 8 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Sketch the basic composition: horizon line, tree masses, and general field area.
step 02
Establish the sky with a thin wash of blue, leaving some areas for clouds.
step 03
Block in the large shapes of the trees and bushes with dark greens and browns.
step 04
Begin layering lighter greens and yellows onto the field, varying the colors to create depth.
step 05
Add details to the trees and bushes, using short, broken brushstrokes to suggest foliage.
step 06
Introduce small touches of color for the wildflowers, using a variety of yellows, blues, and whites.
step 07
Refine the overall composition, adjusting values and colors as needed.
step 08
Add final details and highlights to create a sense of light and atmosphere.

color palette

primary · sap green · yellow ochre · cerulean blue · titanium white

secondary · burnt umber · cadmium yellow · alizarin crimson

Mix greens by combining blues and yellows with touches of brown. Use white to lighten values and create highlights. Mix browns with umber and crimson.

techniques