plate no. 5060
Setting out for the Fields
Jules Breton, 1885
some experience helpful
This painting offers practice in creating atmospheric perspective and rendering form with loose, expressive brushstrokes. Students will learn to simplify complex scenes into basic shapes and values.
technical profile
palette complexity
3
brushwork visibility
4
value contrast
3
compositional simplicity
3
study guide
est. 12 hrsapproach — 8 steps
- step 01
Sketch the basic composition, focusing on the placement of the figure and haystacks.
- step 02
Establish the horizon line and the overall perspective of the field.
- step 03
Block in the large areas of color: sky, field, and haystacks, using thin washes.
- step 04
Begin layering paint to build up the forms, paying attention to the light and shadow.
- step 05
Add details to the figure, focusing on the folds of the clothing and the facial features.
- step 06
Refine the textures of the haystacks and the field using varied brushstrokes.
- step 07
Adjust the values and colors to create a sense of depth and atmosphere.
- step 08
Add final highlights and details to complete the painting.
color palette
primary · yellow ochre · burnt umber · titanium white
secondary · ultramarine blue · sap green
Mix yellow ochre and burnt umber for the field and haystacks. Use white to lighten and create highlights. Mix ultramarine blue with white for the sky.
techniques
- ·dry brush texture
- ·scumbling
- ·atmospheric perspective
- ·broken color
common pitfalls
- →Overworking the details and losing the loose, painterly quality.
- →Failing to establish a clear value structure.
- →Not creating enough contrast between the foreground and background.
- →Using colors that are too saturated.
materials
surface · stretched canvas
required
- ·stretched canvas
- ·oil paints
- ·palette
- ·palette knife
- ·assorted brushes
- ·linseed oil
- ·turpentine
- ·rags
optional
- ·painting medium
- ·easel
- ·varnish
Use a medium-grain canvas for best results. Consider using a limited palette to simplify the color mixing process.
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