plate no. 8663
Shepherd and his flock
Léon Augustin Lhermitte, 1894
some experience helpful
Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in atmospheric perspective and layering colors to create depth. It also provides practice in depicting figures within a landscape setting.
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 figures, sheep, and horizon line.
- step 02
Establish the sky with light blues and grays, blending softly.
- step 03
Block in the distant hills with muted greens and blues, using lighter values for areas further away.
- step 04
Lay in the base colors for the field, using a mix of greens, yellows, and browns.
- step 05
Add the sheep, using off-whites and grays, suggesting their forms with loose strokes.
- step 06
Paint the figures, paying attention to the light and shadow on their clothing and faces.
- step 07
Add details to the foreground, such as grass blades and small rocks.
- step 08
Refine the overall painting, adjusting values and adding subtle color variations.
color palette
primary · yellow ochre · sap green · ultramarine blue · raw umber
secondary · burnt sienna · titanium white · payne's gray
Mix greens by blending yellow ochre and ultramarine blue. Use raw umber and white to create muted browns and grays for the sheep and figures. Add small amounts of burnt sienna to warm up the greens and browns.
techniques
- ·dry brushing
- ·scumbling
- ·atmospheric perspective
- ·broken color
- ·layering
common pitfalls
- →Overworking the details, losing the loose and impressionistic feel.
- →Creating too much contrast, making the painting look harsh.
- →Failing to establish a clear sense of depth.
- →Making the figures too detailed compared to the rest of the painting.
materials
surface · stretched canvas
required
- ·stretched canvas
- ·acrylic or oil paints
- ·round brushes
- ·flat brushes
- ·palette
- ·palette knife
- ·linseed oil (if using oils)
- ·odorless mineral spirits (if using oils)
optional
- ·medium gloss
- ·easel
- ·rags
A slightly textured canvas will help to create a more painterly effect. Consider using a toned canvas to establish a base color.
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