plate no. 3768

Spring Sun

Cuno Amiet, 1924

oilPost-Impressionismlandscapetreespathfiguregardenfoliagesky

some experience helpful

This painting offers practice in layering colors to create depth and texture, and in simplifying complex forms into expressive brushstrokes. Students will also learn to capture the feeling of light and atmosphere using color temperature.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 8 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Sketch the basic composition, focusing on the placement of the trees, path, and figure.
step 02
Block in the sky with a light blue, leaving some areas for the tree tops.
step 03
Establish the main color masses for the trees using a mix of greens, blues, and yellows.
step 04
Paint the path with a base of pink, adding variations in tone and color.
step 05
Add the figure with simplified shapes and colors, focusing on the overall form.
step 06
Develop the foliage with short, broken brushstrokes, layering different colors to create depth.
step 07
Add details like the tree trunks and branches, using darker colors to define their shapes.
step 08
Refine the overall painting, adjusting colors and values to create a sense of harmony.

color palette

primary · cerulean blue · yellow ochre · alizarin crimson · sap green

secondary · ultramarine blue · cadmium yellow · burnt sienna

Mix greens by combining blues and yellows. Achieve the pink path by mixing white with alizarin crimson and a touch of yellow. Use blues and greens to create shadows in the foliage.

techniques

·broken color
·color layering
·scumbling
·alla prima

common pitfalls

→Overworking the details and losing the freshness of the brushstrokes.
→Using colors straight from the tube without mixing, resulting in a flat and uninteresting palette.
→Ignoring the importance of value contrast, leading to a muddy and undefined painting.
→Not simplifying the forms and trying to render every leaf or detail.