plate no. 9145

The cypresses (Cassis)

Rupert Bunny, 1931

oilImpressionismlandscapetreeslandscapebuildingshillsvegetationsky

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in layering colors to create depth and atmosphere, and in simplifying complex natural forms into expressive brushstrokes. It also provides practice in creating a sense of perspective through color and detail.

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, buildings, and horizon line.
step 02
Establish the sky and distant hills with thin washes of color.
step 03
Block in the larger shapes of the trees and foliage using a variety of greens and browns.
step 04
Add the buildings, paying attention to their form and how they sit within the landscape.
step 05
Develop the foreground trees with more detail, using visible brushstrokes to create texture.
step 06
Refine the colors and values throughout the painting, adding highlights and shadows to create depth.
step 07
Add the small details, such as branches and leaves, to bring the painting to life.
step 08
Make final adjustments to the overall composition and color balance.

color palette

primary · viridian green · yellow ochre · ultramarine blue

secondary · burnt umber · titanium white · cadmium yellow

Mix greens by combining blues and yellows, and create earth tones by mixing browns with blues and yellows. Use white to lighten colors and create highlights.

techniques