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home·artworks·Path of Hermitage at Pontoise
Path of Hermitage at Pontoise by Camille Pissarro

plate no. 9715

Path of Hermitage at Pontoise

Camille Pissarro, 1872

oil, canvasImpressionismlandscapelandscapebuildingstreespathfigurecows
some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in layering colors to create depth and texture, as well as capturing the subtle variations of light in a landscape scene. It's also a good exercise in simplifying complex forms into basic shapes.

technical profile

palette complexity
4
brushwork visibility
4
value contrast
3
compositional simplicity
3

study guide

est. 10 hrs

approach — 8 steps

  1. step 01

    Sketch the basic composition, focusing on the placement of the buildings, path, and horizon line.

  2. step 02

    Block in the large areas of color: sky, fields, trees, and buildings using thin washes.

  3. step 03

    Develop the sky with subtle gradations of color, blending carefully.

  4. step 04

    Layer different shades of green and yellow to create depth and texture in the fields and trees.

  5. step 05

    Add details to the buildings, paying attention to the light and shadow.

  6. step 06

    Paint the path with varied browns and ochres, suggesting the texture of the dirt.

  7. step 07

    Add the figure and cow, simplifying their forms.

  8. step 08

    Refine the details and add highlights to create a sense of light and atmosphere.

color palette

primary · yellow ochre · sap green · raw umber · titanium white

secondary · burnt sienna · ultramarine blue · cadmium yellow light

Mix greens by combining yellow ochre and ultramarine blue. Achieve earth tones by mixing raw umber, burnt sienna, and white. Use white to lighten and soften colors.

techniques

  • ·broken color
  • ·layering
  • ·scumbling
  • ·wet-on-dry
  • ·atmospheric perspective

common pitfalls

  • →Overworking the details too early
  • →Using colors straight from the tube without mixing
  • →Ignoring the subtle shifts in color and value
  • →Making the composition too symmetrical

materials

surface · stretched canvas

required

  • ·Stretched canvas 12x16
  • ·Oil paints (yellow ochre, sap green, raw umber, titanium white, burnt sienna, ultramarine blue)
  • ·Round brushes (#2, #4, #6)
  • ·Flat brush (#8)
  • ·Palette
  • ·Palette knife
  • ·Odorless mineral spirits
  • ·Linseed oil

optional

  • ·Retouch varnish
  • ·Easel
  • ·Medium gloss

Use a medium-tooth canvas for better texture. Consider using a limited palette to simplify color mixing.

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related guides

oil painting for beginners →color theory for painters →how to learn by studying the masters →
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