plate no. 5370
Residence of Thomas Hilborn
Edward Hicks, 1847
some experience helpful
Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in layering colors to create depth and depicting a complex scene with multiple elements. It also encourages observation of details in a landscape and understanding of perspective.
technical profile
palette complexity
3
brushwork visibility
3
value contrast
3
compositional simplicity
2
study guide
est. 12 hrsapproach — 8 steps
- step 01
Sketch the basic composition, focusing on the placement of the buildings, trees, and the horizon line.
- step 02
Block in the sky with a light, even wash of color.
- step 03
Establish the main areas of color for the fields, buildings, and trees using simplified shapes.
- step 04
Add details to the buildings, including windows, doors, and roof lines.
- step 05
Paint the trees, using a combination of dabbing and layering to create the foliage.
- step 06
Add the figures and animals, paying attention to their relative sizes and positions.
- step 07
Refine the details in the foreground, including the plowed field and the fence.
- step 08
Add final highlights and shadows to create depth and dimension.
color palette
primary · yellow ochre · raw umber · titanium white · burnt sienna
secondary · Prussian blue · cadmium red · sap green
Mix various shades of brown and green by combining the primary colors. Use white to lighten colors and create highlights. Add a touch of blue to darken shadows.
techniques
- ·layering
- ·dry brushing
- ·scumbling
- ·color mixing
- ·atmospheric perspective
common pitfalls
- →Getting lost in the details too early.
- →Not establishing a clear value structure.
- →Making the colors too saturated.
- →Ignoring the perspective and scale of the different elements.
materials
surface · stretched canvas
required
- ·stretched canvas
- ·acrylic or oil paints
- ·round brushes
- ·flat brushes
- ·palette
- ·palette knife
- ·linseed oil (if using oil paints)
- ·mineral spirits or turpentine (for cleaning)
optional
- ·easel
- ·medium gloss
- ·retarder
Use a medium-grain canvas for best results. Acrylics are easier for beginners, but oils offer richer colors and blending capabilities.
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