plate no. 5689
Street in Osny
Paul Gauguin, 1883
some experience helpful
Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in layering colors to create depth and texture, and in simplifying complex scenes into basic shapes and values. It also provides practice in capturing the fleeting effects of light and atmosphere.
technical profile
palette complexity
4
brushwork visibility
4
value contrast
3
compositional simplicity
3
study guide
est. 8 hrsapproach — 8 steps
- step 01
Lightly sketch the basic composition, focusing on the main shapes and perspective of the road.
- step 02
Block in the sky with light blue and white, blending softly.
- step 03
Establish the horizon line and the general areas of the fields and trees with thin washes of green and brown.
- step 04
Begin layering colors on the road, using ochre, sienna, and touches of white to create the dusty texture.
- step 05
Add the buildings and figures, paying attention to their relative sizes and positions.
- step 06
Develop the foliage with short, broken brushstrokes of various greens and browns.
- step 07
Refine the details and add highlights to create a sense of light and shadow.
- step 08
Add final touches and adjust colors as needed to achieve a harmonious overall effect.
color palette
primary · yellow ochre · ultramarine blue · burnt sienna · titanium white
secondary · sap green · raw umber · cadmium yellow light
Mix various shades of green by combining blue and yellow. Achieve the earthy tones of the road by mixing ochre, sienna, and umber with white. Use white to lighten and soften the colors.
techniques
- ·broken brushstrokes
- ·layering
- ·color mixing
- ·atmospheric perspective
- ·scumbling
common pitfalls
- →Overworking the details and losing the loose, impressionistic feel.
- →Using colors straight from the tube without mixing them.
- →Ignoring the importance of value contrast in creating depth.
- →Failing to establish a clear focal point.
materials
surface · stretched canvas
required
- ·stretched canvas 12x16
- ·oil paints
- ·#4 round brush
- ·#6 flat brush
- ·#8 filbert brush
- ·palette
- ·linseed oil
- ·turpentine
optional
- ·palette knife
- ·painting medium
- ·easel
Use a medium-tooth canvas for best results. Consider using a fast-drying medium to speed up the drying time.
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