plate no. 5267

Summer day with chickens in the backyard of a farm

oil, canvasAcademicismlandscapefarmhousechickenstreesgrassfoliagegarden

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in color mixing for natural light and shadow, as well as layering techniques to create depth and texture in foliage and architectural details.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 15 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Sketch the basic shapes of the farmhouse, trees, and foreground elements.
step 02
Establish the horizon line and general composition.
step 03
Apply a thin underpainting using burnt umber or a similar earth tone to block in the main values.
step 04
Begin layering in the local colors of the sky, foliage, and farmhouse, starting with the background.
step 05
Develop the details of the farmhouse, including the roof, windows, and textures of the walls.
step 06
Add the chickens and other foreground details, paying attention to their form and lighting.
step 07
Refine the painting with highlights and shadows to create a sense of depth and realism.
step 08
Add final details like small plants and textures to complete the scene.

color palette

primary · yellow ochre · sap green · titanium white · burnt umber

secondary · cerulean blue · cadmium red · raw sienna · ivory black

Mix various shades of green by combining sap green with yellow ochre and a touch of blue or brown. Create the farmhouse color by mixing yellow ochre with white and a small amount of burnt umber. Use red and brown to create the chicken colors.

techniques

·layering
·blending
·scumbling
·dry brushing
·glazing

common pitfalls

→Overworking the details too early in the process.
→Failing to establish a strong value structure.
→Using colors that are too saturated or unrealistic.
→Ignoring the effects of light and shadow on the forms.

materials

surface · stretched canvas

required

·stretched canvas 16x20
·oil paints (yellow ochre, sap green, titanium white, burnt umber, cerulean blue, cadmium red, raw sienna, ivory black)
·assorted brushes (round, flat, filbert)
·palette
·linseed oil
·turpentine or odorless mineral spirits
·palette knife
·rags