plate no. 7301

Path and Gate in a Landscape

Leon Underwood, 1922

oilExpressionismlandscapelandscapetreesgatepathfoliagesky

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in layering colors to create depth and using brushstrokes to define form and texture. It also provides practice in creating a sense of atmospheric perspective.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 8 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Sketch the basic composition, focusing on the placement of the gate, trees, and horizon line.
step 02
Block in the sky with light blues and whites, blending softly.
step 03
Establish the main areas of green in the foreground and midground, using varying shades.
step 04
Add darker greens and browns to define the trees and foliage, paying attention to the light and shadow.
step 05
Paint the gate, using a mix of browns and grays. Add highlights to indicate sunlight.
step 06
Create the path with earthy tones, blending it into the surrounding grass.
step 07
Add details to the trees and foliage, using smaller brushstrokes to create texture.
step 08
Refine the overall composition, adjusting colors and values as needed.

color palette

primary · sap green · titanium white · raw umber

secondary · cerulean blue · yellow ochre · burnt sienna

Mix greens by combining blues and yellows with touches of brown for muted tones. Use white to lighten colors and create highlights. Browns can be mixed from a combination of primary colors.

techniques