plate no. 7523

Pool in the Desert

Frederic Remington, 1907

oilImpressionismgenre paintinghorsesfigureswaterdesertskylandscape

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in capturing movement with loose brushstrokes and understanding how to use color temperature to create a sense of light and atmosphere.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 12 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Lightly sketch the basic composition, focusing on the placement of the horses and figures.
step 02
Block in the large areas of color: sky, ground, water, and the general tones of the horses and riders.
step 03
Begin to define the shapes of the horses and figures with broader, more visible brushstrokes.
step 04
Add details to the figures and horses, paying attention to the highlights and shadows.
step 05
Develop the texture of the ground and water with short, broken brushstrokes.
step 06
Refine the reflections in the water, using slightly darker and more saturated versions of the surrounding colors.
step 07
Add final highlights and details to create a sense of depth and realism.
step 08
Step back and adjust the overall composition, ensuring that the colors and values are balanced.

color palette

primary · yellow ochre · ultramarine blue · burnt umber · titanium white

secondary · cadmium orange · raw sienna

Mix various shades of brown by combining burnt umber with yellow ochre and a touch of blue. Use white to lighten colors and create highlights. Mix blue and white for the sky and water, adjusting the ratio for different tones.

techniques

·broken color
·dry brushing
·scumbling
·alla prima
·color temperature

common pitfalls

→Overworking the details, which can lead to a stiff and unnatural look.
→Using too much detail in the background, which can flatten the image.
→Not paying attention to the color temperature of the light, which can make the painting look unrealistic.
→Failing to capture the movement of the horses, which can make the painting look static.

materials

surface · stretched canvas

required

·stretched canvas (18x24 inches)
·oil paints (yellow ochre, ultramarine blue, burnt umber, titanium white, cadmium orange, raw sienna)
·palette
·assorted brushes (round and flat)
·linseed oil
·odorless mineral spirits
·palette knife