plate no. 4382

Tenafly, Autumn

oilTonalismlandscapetreeslandscapefigurefieldskyautumn

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in atmospheric perspective and subtle color blending to create a sense of depth and mood. It also offers practice in simplifying complex forms into basic shapes and values.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 12 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Sketch the basic composition, focusing on the placement of the trees, figure, and horizon line.
step 02
Establish the overall value structure with a thin wash of burnt umber or a similar earth tone.
step 03
Block in the sky with a mix of blues, grays, and yellows, blending softly to create a cloudy effect.
step 04
Paint the distant trees and hills with muted colors, gradually increasing the color saturation and detail as you move towards the foreground.
step 05
Add the main group of trees, focusing on the warm autumn colors and soft edges.
step 06
Paint the field with layers of greens, browns, and yellows, varying the values to create depth and texture.
step 07
Add the figure and other details, keeping them simple and understated.
step 08
Refine the painting with glazes and subtle adjustments to the colors and values.

color palette

primary · burnt umber · yellow ochre · ultramarine blue · titanium white

secondary · cadmium yellow · alizarin crimson · viridian

Mix muted greens by combining yellow ochre, ultramarine blue, and a touch of burnt umber. Achieve the warm autumn colors by blending alizarin crimson, cadmium yellow, and burnt umber. Use titanium white to lighten and soften the colors.

techniques