plate no. 6386
The cottage children (Rain and sunshine)
Frederick McCubbin, 1910
some experience helpful
Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in impressionistic brushwork and color mixing to create atmospheric perspective. It also provides practice in depicting figures and animals in a natural setting.
technical profile
palette complexity
4
brushwork visibility
5
value contrast
3
compositional simplicity
3
study guide
est. 12 hrsapproach — 8 steps
- step 01
Sketch the basic composition, focusing on the placement of the cottage, figures, and horizon line.
- step 02
Block in the large areas of color, starting with the sky and background hills.
- step 03
Establish the light and shadow on the cottage, using warm and cool tones.
- step 04
Add details to the figures, paying attention to their proportions and clothing.
- step 05
Paint the chickens and foreground elements, using short, broken brushstrokes.
- step 06
Develop the trees and foliage, using a variety of greens and browns.
- step 07
Refine the details and add highlights to create a sense of depth and atmosphere.
- step 08
Add final touches and adjust colors as needed to achieve a harmonious overall effect.
color palette
primary · yellow ochre · ultramarine blue · burnt sienna · titanium white
secondary · sap green · cadmium red light · violet · raw umber
Mix greens by combining yellow ochre and ultramarine blue. Create muted tones by adding a touch of complementary color. Use white to lighten values and create atmospheric haze.
techniques
- ·broken color
- ·impressionistic brushwork
- ·scumbling
- ·atmospheric perspective
- ·color mixing
common pitfalls
- →Overworking the details and losing the impressionistic feel.
- →Using colors straight from the tube without mixing them.
- →Ignoring the importance of value in creating depth.
- →Making the figures too stiff and unnatural.
materials
surface · stretched canvas
required
- ·stretched canvas 16x20
- ·oil paints
- ·palette
- ·palette knife
- ·assorted brushes (round and flat)
- ·linseed oil
- ·turpentine
- ·rags
optional
- ·painting medium
- ·easel
- ·varnish
Use a medium-grit canvas for better texture. Consider using a limited palette to simplify color mixing.
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