plate no. 6819

Purple, White and Gold

Willard Metcalf, 1903

oil, canvasImpressionismlandscapeflowersgardentreeslandscapeskyfoliage

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in layering colors to create depth and texture, as well as simplifying complex forms into expressive brushstrokes. It's a good exercise in capturing the essence of a scene rather than precise detail.

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 flowerbed, trees, and horizon line.
step 02
Block in the sky with a light, muted gray-blue wash.
step 03
Establish the general areas of green for the grass and foliage, using varying shades.
step 04
Begin layering in the flower colors, starting with the darker values and gradually adding highlights.
step 05
Use short, broken brushstrokes to represent the individual flowers and leaves.
step 06
Add details to the trees, focusing on the shapes and patterns of the branches and leaves.
step 07
Refine the overall composition by adjusting values and adding subtle color variations.
step 08
Add final highlights and details to create a sense of depth and realism.

color palette

primary · titanium white · yellow ochre · alizarin crimson · viridian

secondary · ultramarine blue · burnt umber · cadmium yellow light · rose madder

Mix greens by combining viridian with yellow ochre or cadmium yellow light. Create muted purples and pinks by mixing alizarin crimson and ultramarine blue with white. Use burnt umber to darken greens and create shadows.

techniques