plate no. 2406

Spring, Caribou Country

A.Y. Jackson, 1949

oilArt Nouveau (Modern)landscapelandscapetreeshillsskyforestbirch trees

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in layering colors to create depth and using visible brushstrokes to add texture and movement. It also provides practice in simplifying complex scenes into basic shapes and color blocks.

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 hills, trees, and sky, focusing on composition.
step 02
Block in the sky with light blues and grays, using broad brushstrokes.
step 03
Establish the background hills with darker greens and blues, varying the tones.
step 04
Paint the foreground hills with lighter greens and browns, creating a sense of depth.
step 05
Add the birch trees using white and light gray, capturing their verticality and slight curves.
step 06
Introduce shadows and highlights on the trees and hills to create form.
step 07
Refine the details of the trees and foreground, adding texture with dry brush techniques.
step 08
Add final touches to the sky and background to balance the composition.

color palette

primary · titanium white · cerulean blue · yellow ochre · sap green

secondary · burnt umber · raw sienna · payne's grey

Mix greens by combining blue and yellow ochre; create grays by mixing blue, white, and a touch of umber. Use white to lighten colors and create highlights.

techniques