plate no. 1415
Southern Autumn Birch
some experience helpful
Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in layering colors to create depth and atmosphere, as well as capturing the texture of tree bark and foliage with visible brushstrokes.
technical profile
palette complexity
4
brushwork visibility
4
value contrast
3
compositional simplicity
3
study guide
est. 8 hrsapproach — 8 steps
- step 01
Sketch the basic composition, focusing on the placement of the birch trees and the horizon line.
- step 02
Block in the large areas of color: sky, field, and foliage, using thin washes.
- step 03
Begin to define the shapes of the trees, paying attention to the light and shadow on the bark.
- step 04
Add details to the foliage, using small, broken brushstrokes to create texture.
- step 05
Develop the foreground with varied greens and browns, suggesting grass and shadows.
- step 06
Refine the sky and background, adding subtle color variations to create depth.
- step 07
Add final highlights and shadows to enhance the form of the trees and foliage.
- step 08
Review the painting and make any necessary adjustments to the composition, color, or value.
color palette
primary · yellow ochre · ultramarine blue · titanium white
secondary · burnt umber · sap green · cadmium yellow
Mix greens by combining ultramarine blue and cadmium yellow. Use white to create lighter tints of all colors. Achieve atmospheric perspective by adding blue to distant colors.
techniques
- ·broken color
- ·scumbling
- ·layering
- ·atmospheric perspective
- ·dry brushing
common pitfalls
- →Overworking the details and losing the freshness of the brushstrokes.
- →Creating flat, uniform areas of color instead of subtle variations.
- →Failing to establish a strong sense of depth and atmosphere.
- →Not paying attention to the light and shadow on the trees.
materials
surface · stretched canvas
required
- ·stretched canvas
- ·acrylic or oil paints
- ·round brushes (sizes 2, 4, 6)
- ·flat brushes (sizes 4, 8)
- ·palette
- ·palette knife
- ·linseed oil (if using oil paints)
- ·mineral spirits or turpentine (for cleaning brushes)
optional
- ·medium gloss
- ·easel
- ·rags
Use a canvas with a medium texture to help the paint adhere and create visual interest.
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