plate no. 8592

Slash and Burn

Leon Underwood, 1950

oilExpressionismsymbolic paintingfigureslandscapefiresmokefoliagepath

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in figure drawing, simplified form representation, and expressive brushwork to convey movement and atmosphere. It also encourages experimentation with a limited color palette to create a cohesive and impactful image.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 10 hrs

approach — 7 steps

step 01
Sketch the basic composition, focusing on the placement and proportions of the figures and the overall landscape.
step 02
Block in the main areas of color, using thin washes to establish the tonal values.
step 03
Start defining the figures with darker values, paying attention to the simplified forms and contours.
step 04
Develop the foliage and background elements, using expressive brushstrokes to create texture and depth.
step 05
Add highlights and details to the figures and landscape, focusing on the areas of light and shadow.
step 06
Refine the edges and contours, softening or sharpening them as needed to create a sense of depth and atmosphere.
step 07
Add the fire and smoke details, using a combination of warm and cool colors to create a sense of heat and movement.

color palette

primary · burnt umber · raw sienna · ultramarine blue

secondary · yellow ochre · titanium white · cadmium red light

Mix burnt umber and ultramarine blue for the dark tones of the figures and foliage. Use raw sienna and yellow ochre for the lighter areas of the landscape. Add white to create highlights and soften the colors.

techniques