plate no. 2001

Reforestation

Emily Carr, 1936

oilCubismlandscapemountainstreeslandscapeskyforest

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students understand how to simplify complex forms into geometric shapes and use directional brushstrokes to create texture and movement. It's also a good exercise in color mixing to achieve a range of greens and earth tones.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 8 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Sketch the basic shapes of the mountains and foreground, paying attention to the overall composition.
step 02
Block in the sky with light blue, using swirling brushstrokes.
step 03
Establish the dark areas of the mountains and trees with a dark green/brown mix.
step 04
Add lighter greens and yellows to the foreground, using directional brushstrokes to suggest the flow of the landscape.
step 05
Develop the highlights on the mountains with lighter shades of gray and yellow.
step 06
Refine the shapes of the trees and add details to the foreground.
step 07
Add final touches to the sky, blending the colors and softening the edges.
step 08
Review and adjust the values and colors to achieve a cohesive and balanced painting.

color palette

primary · Prussian blue · Yellow ochre · Sap green · Burnt umber

secondary · Titanium white · Cadmium yellow light

Mix greens by combining yellow ochre and Prussian blue, adjusting the ratio for different shades. Use burnt umber to darken greens and create earth tones. Add white to lighten colors and create highlights.

techniques