plate no. 6839

PAYSAGE DU MIDI

oilExpressionismlandscapetreeslandscapebuildingskycloudsvegetation

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in expressive brushwork and mixing subtle variations of greens and browns. It also provides practice in creating depth through layering and 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 shapes and composition, focusing on the placement of the trees, building, and horizon line.
step 02
Block in the sky with light blues and whites, using loose, visible brushstrokes.
step 03
Establish the main areas of green for the foliage, varying the shades and tones.
step 04
Add the darker tones to create shadows and define the forms of the trees and bushes.
step 05
Paint the building with a mix of browns and creams, paying attention to the light and shadow.
step 06
Develop the foreground with a variety of greens and browns, adding texture with dry brush techniques.
step 07
Refine the details, such as the branches of the trees and the texture of the building.
step 08
Add final highlights and shadows to enhance the sense of depth and atmosphere.

color palette

primary · sap green · titanium white · ultramarine blue · burnt umber

secondary · yellow ochre · raw sienna · cadmium yellow light · ivory black

Mix greens by combining blues and yellows, and vary them by adding browns or whites. Achieve earth tones by mixing browns with yellows and blues. Use white to lighten values and create highlights.

techniques

·expressive brushstrokes
·wet-on-dry layering
·dry brush texture
·color mixing
·atmospheric perspective

common pitfalls

→Overworking the details and losing the loose, expressive feel.
→Using too much white and creating a chalky effect.
→Not varying the greens and browns enough, resulting in a monotonous color scheme.
→Ignoring the importance of light and shadow in creating depth.