plate no. 2154
The Evaux Mill at Chiery, near Chateau Thierry
Camille Corot, 1860
some experience helpful
Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in atmospheric perspective and layering techniques to create depth. It also offers practice in depicting soft, diffused light and capturing the essence of a scene rather than precise detail.
technical profile
palette complexity
3
brushwork visibility
4
value contrast
3
compositional simplicity
3
study guide
est. 10 hrsapproach — 8 steps
- step 01
Sketch the basic composition, focusing on the placement of the buildings, trees, and the horizon line.
- step 02
Establish the sky with a thin wash of light blue and white, blending softly.
- step 03
Block in the large shapes of the landscape: the distant hill, the trees, and the foreground field, using muted greens and browns.
- step 04
Begin adding details to the buildings, focusing on the roof shapes and the play of light and shadow.
- step 05
Layer in the trees, using broken brushstrokes to create texture and depth.
- step 06
Add the figure in the foreground, keeping it simple and indistinct.
- step 07
Refine the details and adjust the values to create a sense of atmosphere and depth.
- step 08
Add final highlights and shadows to enhance the form and texture of the landscape.
color palette
primary · yellow ochre · raw umber · titanium white · cerulean blue
secondary · burnt sienna · sap green · ivory black
Mix muted greens by combining yellow ochre, raw umber, and a touch of blue. Achieve the warm tones of the buildings and roofs by blending burnt sienna with yellow ochre and white. Use white to create atmospheric haze.
techniques
- ·scumbling
- ·glazing
- ·broken color
- ·atmospheric perspective
- ·dry brushing
common pitfalls
- →Overworking the details and losing the overall impressionistic feel.
- →Creating overly saturated colors that detract from the muted palette.
- →Failing to establish a clear sense of depth and atmosphere.
- →Making the brushstrokes too uniform and lacking in texture.
materials
surface · stretched canvas
required
- ·stretched canvas
- ·oil paints
- ·palette
- ·linseed oil
- ·odorless mineral spirits
- ·assorted brushes (round and flat)
- ·palette knife
optional
- ·painting medium (e.g., Liquin)
- ·varnish
- ·easel
Use a medium-grain canvas to allow for texture. Consider using a limited palette to simplify color mixing.
tips & new artworks in your inbox
no spam — unsubscribe anytime.
or to save artworks, chat, and track progress
in this vein
