plate no. 0859

The Edge of the Maple Wood

A.Y. Jackson, 1910

oilPost-Impressionismlandscapetreeslandscapebuildingskyshadowsfield

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in layering colors to create texture and capturing the effects of light and shadow in a landscape. It also provides practice in depicting natural forms with expressive brushstrokes.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 12 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Lightly sketch the main compositional elements: horizon line, trees, building, and the general shape of the hill.
step 02
Establish the basic color blocks for the sky, ground, and building using thin washes.
step 03
Begin layering in the darker values to define the shadows cast by the trees and the contours of the hill.
step 04
Add texture to the ground by applying short, broken brushstrokes in varying shades of brown, ochre, and green.
step 05
Develop the details of the trees, focusing on capturing their branching structure and the subtle color variations in their bark.
step 06
Refine the sky by blending the blues and whites to create a sense of atmospheric perspective.
step 07
Add highlights to the ground and trees to enhance the sense of light and depth.
step 08
Make final adjustments to the colors and values to create a cohesive and harmonious composition.

color palette

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

secondary · raw sienna · cadmium yellow · alizarin crimson

Achieve the earthy tones by mixing burnt umber with yellow ochre and white. Create the sky by blending ultramarine blue with white, adding a touch of yellow for warmth. Use alizarin crimson sparingly to add depth to shadows and create subtle color variations.

techniques

·broken color
·impasto
·scumbling
·layering
·dry brushing

common pitfalls

→Overblending the colors, resulting in a muddy appearance.
→Failing to establish a strong value structure, leading to a flat and unconvincing landscape.
→Ignoring the subtle color variations in the shadows, making them appear too dark and uniform.
→Getting lost in details too early, before establishing the overall composition and color harmony.