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home·artworks·The Grave of William Penn
The Grave of William Penn by Edward Hicks

plate no. 5734

The Grave of William Penn

Edward Hicks, 1847

oilNaïve Art (Primitivism)landscapelandscapehouseanimalstreesskyfigures
some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in layering colors to create depth and atmosphere, as well as simplifying complex forms into basic shapes. It also provides practice in rendering textures using scumbling or dry brushing.

technical profile

palette complexity
3
brushwork visibility
3
value contrast
3
compositional simplicity
2

study guide

est. 12 hrs

approach — 8 steps

  1. step 01

    Sketch the basic composition, focusing on the placement of the house, trees, and horizon line.

  2. step 02

    Block in the sky with light yellows and oranges, blending to create a soft gradient.

  3. step 03

    Establish the main shapes of the house and trees using darker browns and greens.

  4. step 04

    Add details to the house, such as windows, doors, and the chimney, using a fine brush.

  5. step 05

    Paint the animals in the foreground, paying attention to their proportions and forms.

  6. step 06

    Develop the foliage of the trees using layers of greens, browns, and yellows, creating texture with dry brush techniques.

  7. step 07

    Add the figures and other details, such as the fence and carriage.

  8. step 08

    Refine the overall painting, adjusting values and colors as needed to create a cohesive and harmonious image.

color palette

primary · yellow ochre · burnt umber · titanium white · sap green

secondary · ultramarine blue · cadmium yellow · raw sienna

Mix browns and greens by combining burnt umber, yellow ochre, and ultramarine blue. Use white to lighten colors and create highlights. Achieve atmospheric perspective by adding a touch of blue to distant colors.

techniques

  • ·layering
  • ·dry brushing
  • ·scumbling
  • ·atmospheric perspective
  • ·blocking in

common pitfalls

  • →Overworking details too early in the process.
  • →Failing to establish a strong value structure.
  • →Using colors that are too saturated or intense.
  • →Ignoring the principles of atmospheric perspective.

materials

surface · stretched canvas

required

  • ·stretched canvas
  • ·acrylic or oil paints
  • ·round brushes
  • ·flat brushes
  • ·palette
  • ·palette knife
  • ·linseed oil (if using oils)
  • ·turpentine or mineral spirits (for cleaning brushes)

optional

  • ·medium gloss
  • ·retarder medium

Use a medium-grain canvas for best results. Acrylics are more beginner-friendly due to their faster drying time.

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oil painting for beginners →how to learn by studying the masters →
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