plate no. 4121
The Green Car
William James Glackens, 1910
some experience helpful
Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in impressionistic brushwork and color mixing to represent light and shadow in a snowy urban scene. It will also improve their ability to depict figures and vehicles with loose, expressive strokes.
technical profile
palette complexity
4
brushwork visibility
5
value contrast
4
compositional simplicity
3
study guide
est. 12 hrsapproach — 8 steps
- step 01
Sketch the basic composition, focusing on the placement of the tram, figures, and buildings.
- step 02
Block in the main color areas: the sky, buildings, snow, tram, and trees.
- step 03
Begin adding layers of color to the snow, using blues, purples, and whites to create depth and shadow.
- step 04
Develop the details of the tram, paying attention to the light and shadow on its surface.
- step 05
Add details to the figures, using quick, expressive brushstrokes.
- step 06
Refine the trees and branches, using a variety of browns and grays.
- step 07
Add final highlights and shadows to create a sense of depth and realism.
- step 08
Review the painting and make any necessary adjustments.
color palette
primary · ultramarine blue · burnt sienna · titanium white · yellow ochre
secondary · viridian green · alizarin crimson · cadmium yellow
Mix blues and purples with white for the snow shadows. Use yellow ochre and burnt sienna for the tram. Mix greens and yellows for the tram's body.
techniques
- ·broken color
- ·impasto
- ·scumbling
- ·wet-on-wet blending
- ·alla prima
common pitfalls
- →Overworking the details and losing the impressionistic feel.
- →Using too much pure white and not enough color in the snow.
- →Making the figures too stiff and unnatural.
- →Failing to capture the light and shadow on the tram.
materials
surface · stretched canvas
required
- ·stretched canvas
- ·oil paints
- ·palette
- ·palette knife
- ·assorted brushes
- ·linseed oil
- ·mineral spirits
- ·rags
optional
- ·painting medium
- ·varnish
- ·easel
Use a medium-textured canvas to allow for visible brushstrokes. Consider using a limited palette to simplify color mixing.
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