plate no. 2325

Summer

Hélène Guinepied, 1915

oilImpressionismlandscapelandscapefieldtreesskyfigureflowers

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in layering colors to create depth and using broken color to represent textures in nature. It's also a good exercise 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 composition, focusing on the horizon line and major shapes.
step 02
Block in the sky with a light blue-gray wash.
step 03
Establish the main color areas for the background hills, middle ground field, and foreground grasses.
step 04
Add the trees, focusing on their silhouette and general shape.
step 05
Begin layering colors within each area, using short, broken brushstrokes to create texture.
step 06
Introduce the red flower accents in the foreground.
step 07
Add the figure in the distance, keeping it simple and indistinct.
step 08
Refine details and adjust values to create depth and atmosphere.

color palette

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

secondary · cadmium red · burnt umber · violet

Mix various greens by combining blue, yellow, and white. Achieve atmospheric perspective by lightening and cooling colors as they recede into the distance. Use small amounts of red to create the flower accents.

techniques