plate no. 6317

Terrace, Prospect Park

pastel, paperImpressionismlandscapeparktreesflowersarchitecturepathfoliage

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in layering colors with pastels and capturing the effects of light and shadow in a landscape. It also provides practice in creating depth and atmosphere using color and value.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 8 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Lightly sketch the basic composition, including the path, terrace, and trees.
step 02
Establish the base color of the path with a mid-tone brown pastel.
step 03
Add shadows and highlights to the path using darker and lighter browns and yellows.
step 04
Block in the colors of the trees and foliage, layering greens, yellows, and blues.
step 05
Add the red flowers and other details to the terrace.
step 06
Refine the details of the architecture, paying attention to the light and shadow.
step 07
Add the fallen leaves on the path, using a variety of warm colors.
step 08
Blend and soften edges as needed to create a sense of atmosphere.

color palette

primary · yellow ochre · sap green · burnt sienna · ultramarine blue

secondary · cadmium red · lemon yellow · titanium white · raw umber

Mix greens by blending yellows and blues. Achieve the warm browns by mixing burnt sienna with yellow ochre and a touch of red. Use white to lighten colors and create highlights.

techniques

·pastel layering
·blending
·scumbling
·color mixing
·creating atmospheric perspective

common pitfalls

→over-blending
→using too much pressure
→not establishing a clear value structure
→getting the perspective wrong on the architectural elements

materials

surface · pastel paper (toned)

required

·assorted soft pastels
·pastel paper (toned)
·kneaded eraser
·fixative spray
·drawing board
·paper towels
·soft blending tools

optional

·pastel pencils
·palette knife
·workable fixative

Choose a pastel paper with a slightly rough texture to hold the pastel pigment well. A toned paper will help to establish the mid-tones of the painting.

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