plate no. 4269

Red House

Peter Doig, 1995

oilMagic Realismlandscapehousetreessnowfigureslandscapewinter

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in layering colors to create depth and atmosphere, as well as practicing the depiction of bare trees and figures in a stylized manner. Students will also learn how to create a sense of texture and depth using various brushstrokes and color washes.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 12 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Sketch the basic shapes of the house, trees, and figures, paying attention to their relative sizes and positions.
step 02
Apply a thin wash of diluted yellow and ochre to the background, allowing it to dry completely.
step 03
Paint the house using a mix of red, brown, and black, creating variations in tone and texture.
step 04
Add the roof tiles with short, broken brushstrokes, using a mix of brown, orange, and black.
step 05
Paint the trees with thin, delicate lines, using a mix of grey, white, and brown.
step 06
Add the snow using a mix of white and light grey, creating variations in texture and depth.
step 07
Paint the figures with simplified shapes and muted colors, blending them into the background.
step 08
Add final details such as the windows, branches, and snow flakes, using a fine brush.

color palette

primary · red · yellow · white · grey

secondary · brown · ochre · black · orange

Achieve the muted tones by mixing complementary colors. Use white to lighten colors and create highlights. Mix brown and black to create shadows.

techniques

·layering
·dry brushing
·color washing
·scumbling
·glazing

common pitfalls

→Overworking the details and losing the overall sense of atmosphere.
→Using colors that are too bright or saturated.
→Failing to create a sense of depth and perspective.
→Making the figures too detailed or realistic.

materials

surface · Stretched canvas

required

·Stretched canvas
·Acrylic paints
·Round brushes (small and medium)
·Flat brushes (medium)
·Palette
·Water container
·Paper towels
·Easel

optional

·Palette knife
·Retarder medium
·Spray varnish

Use a canvas with a smooth surface to allow for easy blending and layering. Acrylic paints are recommended for their quick drying time and versatility.

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