plate no. 0945

Rock roses. Old Lodge. Taplow.

Stanley Spencer, 1957

oilNeo-Romanticismlandscapeflowersgardenbrick wallfoliagehouseshadows

experienced study

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in layering colors, creating textures with brushstrokes, and rendering complex botanical forms. It also encourages careful observation of light and shadow within a detailed scene.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 20 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Lightly sketch the main shapes and composition, focusing on the placement of the wall, flowers, and building.
step 02
Block in the basic colors of the brick wall, using varying shades of red, orange, and brown.
step 03
Start layering the foliage, beginning with the darkest greens and gradually adding lighter shades.
step 04
Paint the yellow flowers, using a mix of yellows and oranges to create depth and variation.
step 05
Add the red rock roses, paying attention to their delicate shapes and shadows.
step 06
Develop the background details, including the house and other foliage, using a softer brushstroke.
step 07
Refine the details of the brick wall, adding texture and variations in color.
step 08
Add final highlights and shadows to create depth and dimension throughout the painting.

color palette

primary · yellow ochre · cadmium red · burnt umber · titanium white

secondary · sap green · violet · raw sienna

Achieve the various greens by mixing sap green with yellow ochre and burnt umber. Create the brick colors by mixing cadmium red, burnt umber, and a touch of yellow ochre. Use white to lighten colors and create highlights.

techniques