plate no. 1674

Summer Path

Rudolf Schweitzer-Cumpana, 1951

oilImpressionismlandscapetreespathfigureslandscapeforestautumn

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in layering colors and creating texture with visible brushstrokes. It also provides practice in simplifying complex scenes and focusing on overall impression.

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 placement of the trees and the path.
step 02
Establish the overall color scheme with a thin wash of burnt umber and yellow ochre.
step 03
Block in the main areas of color, using a limited palette of earth tones and greens.
step 04
Add texture and detail to the trees using short, broken brushstrokes.
step 05
Define the path with highlights and shadows, creating a sense of depth.
step 06
Paint the figures with simple shapes and colors, suggesting movement and activity.
step 07
Refine the details and adjust the values to create a harmonious composition.
step 08
Add final highlights and shadows to enhance the overall effect.

color palette

primary · burnt umber · yellow ochre · titanium white

secondary · sap green · cadmium red

Mix burnt umber and yellow ochre for the warm earth tones. Add white to lighten the colors and create highlights. Use sap green for the foliage and cadmium red for the figures.

techniques