plate no. 6623

Study for Picherit's farm

Max Meldrum, 1910

oilTonalismlandscapetreesbuildinglandscapeskypathfoliage

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students understand tonal values and how to create depth using subtle color shifts. It also provides practice in simplifying complex scenes into basic shapes and values.

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 building, trees, and path, focusing on their relative sizes and positions.
step 02
Establish the overall value structure by applying a thin wash of a neutral color (e.g., burnt umber) to the entire canvas.
step 03
Block in the darkest areas (e.g., the shadows within the trees) using a darker value of the neutral color.
step 04
Add the mid-tones to the building, path, and foliage, gradually building up the forms.
step 05
Introduce subtle color variations to the trees and foliage, using greens, browns, and grays.
step 06
Paint the sky with soft, blended strokes, creating a hazy atmosphere.
step 07
Refine the details of the building, adding highlights and shadows to create a sense of form.
step 08
Add final touches to the foliage and path, paying attention to the edges and textures.

color palette

primary · burnt umber · raw sienna · titanium white

secondary · sap green · ultramarine blue · yellow ochre

Achieve the muted greens by mixing yellow ochre, ultramarine blue, and a touch of burnt umber. Create the building's color by mixing raw sienna, white, and a hint of burnt umber.

techniques