plate no. 3830

RUMANIAN COTTAGES IN TRANSYLVANIA

Marianne Stokes, 1909

oilImpressionismlandscapecottageslandscapefigurestreesskyrural scene

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students practice layering techniques to build texture and understand how to simplify complex forms into basic shapes. It also provides an opportunity to work with a limited color palette to create a harmonious composition.

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 cottages, tree, and figures, paying attention to their relative sizes and placement.
step 02
Establish the sky with a thin wash of light blue and white, blending the colors softly.
step 03
Block in the large areas of color for the cottages' roofs using a mix of browns and umbers, varying the tones to suggest texture.
step 04
Paint the white walls of the cottages, adding subtle shadows and highlights to create form.
step 05
Add the details of the fence and figures, using smaller brushes and more precise strokes.
step 06
Paint the tree trunk and branches, using a dry brush technique to create a textured effect.
step 07
Develop the foreground with a mix of yellows, browns, and greens, suggesting the ground and shadows.
step 08
Add final details and highlights to the entire painting, adjusting values and colors as needed.

color palette

primary · burnt umber · titanium white · yellow ochre

secondary · ultramarine blue · raw sienna

Mix browns by combining burnt umber with yellow ochre and small amounts of blue. Use white to lighten colors and create highlights. Achieve the sky color by mixing white with a touch of ultramarine blue.

techniques