plate no. 6346

Poppies

Petro Kholodny (Elder), 1919

oil, cardboardImpressionismlandscapefieldpoppieslandscapeskycropsgrass

some experience helpful

This painting provides practice in layering colors to create depth and using short, broken brushstrokes to suggest texture. Students will learn to simplify complex scenes into basic shapes and color blocks.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 8 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Sketch the basic composition, dividing the canvas into foreground, middle ground, and background.
step 02
Block in the large shapes of the fields in the background with simplified colors.
step 03
Establish the horizon line and the line of trees in the middle ground.
step 04
Apply a base layer of green and yellow for the field, varying the tones to suggest uneven ground.
step 05
Add the red poppies using small, quick strokes of red paint.
step 06
Layer additional colors onto the field to create depth and texture, using greens, yellows, and browns.
step 07
Refine the details of the trees and the distant fields.
step 08
Add final highlights and shadows to enhance the overall impression.

color palette

primary · yellow ochre · cadmium red · sap green · titanium white

secondary · burnt umber · ultramarine blue

Mix greens by combining yellow ochre and sap green, and adjust with white for lighter tones. Create earth tones by mixing burnt umber with yellow ochre and small amounts of blue.

techniques