plate no. 2149

The Feeding Trough

oil, panelRealismgenre paintinghorsefiguredogbuildinglandscapetrees

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in atmospheric perspective and creating form with loose, expressive brushstrokes. Students will also learn to simplify complex scenes into essential shapes and values.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 12 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Sketch the basic shapes and composition lightly with charcoal or a diluted wash.
step 02
Establish the overall value structure with a thin wash of burnt umber and yellow ochre.
step 03
Block in the main areas of color, focusing on the light and shadow patterns on the horse and figure.
step 04
Develop the background elements, using lighter values and softer edges to create depth.
step 05
Refine the details of the horse and figure, paying attention to anatomy and form.
step 06
Add highlights and shadows to create contrast and dimension.
step 07
Use dry brush techniques to add texture to the ground and foliage.
step 08
Glaze thin layers of color to unify the painting and create atmosphere.

color palette

primary · yellow ochre · burnt umber · ivory black

secondary · cadmium red · sap green

Mix various shades of brown and green by combining burnt umber, yellow ochre, and ivory black. Use cadmium red sparingly for highlights on the figure and horse. Achieve atmospheric perspective by lightening colors with white and adding a touch of blue or gray.

techniques

·dry brush
·glazing
·scumbling
·atmospheric perspective
·chiaroscuro

common pitfalls

→Overworking the details and losing the loose, expressive quality of the original.
→Creating too much contrast and flattening the image.
→Failing to establish a strong value structure early on.
→Using colors that are too saturated.