plate no. 3842

Red Tree

Marsden Hartley, 1910

oilExpressionismlandscapetreeslandscapepathfoliagesky

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in expressive brushwork and color mixing to create a vibrant and dynamic landscape. It also encourages simplification of forms and focusing on capturing the essence of the scene.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 8 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Lightly sketch the basic shapes of the trees, path, and horizon line.
step 02
Block in the main areas of color with broad strokes, focusing on the overall composition.
step 03
Start adding darker values to define the shadows and create depth within the trees and foliage.
step 04
Introduce brighter colors and highlights to create contrast and visual interest.
step 05
Use short, broken brushstrokes to build texture and detail in the trees and ground.
step 06
Refine the shapes and edges of the forms, paying attention to the interplay of light and shadow.
step 07
Add the red accents to the trees and ground to create focal points.
step 08
Make final adjustments to the colors and values to achieve a harmonious and expressive composition.

color palette

primary · green · red · blue · yellow

secondary · purple · orange · white

Mix greens by combining blues and yellows, and create variations by adding white or black. Achieve vibrant reds by mixing a cadmium red hue with a touch of orange or magenta.

techniques