plate no. 3516

Summer Idyll

oilImpressionismlandscapetreesfiguresgrassbuildinglandscapesky

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in layering colors to create depth and texture, as well as simplifying complex forms into basic shapes and values. Students will also learn to create a sense of atmosphere through color and brushwork.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 10 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Sketch the basic composition, focusing on the placement of the trees, figures, and building.
step 02
Establish the sky with a thin wash of light blue and gray.
step 03
Block in the large areas of green for the grass, varying the shades and values.
step 04
Paint the trees, using browns, grays, and greens to create texture and form.
step 05
Add the red building, paying attention to its shape and the way light hits it.
step 06
Paint the figures, simplifying their forms and focusing on their placement within the landscape.
step 07
Add details and highlights to the grass, trees, and building to create depth and interest.
step 08
Refine the overall composition and adjust colors as needed.

color palette

primary · sap green · burnt umber · titanium white · cadmium red

secondary · ultramarine blue · yellow ochre

Mix greens by combining sap green, yellow ochre, and a touch of ultramarine blue. Browns can be created by mixing burnt umber, cadmium red, and yellow ochre. Vary the intensity of colors by adding white or mixing complementary colors.

techniques