plate no. 8996
The harvest
some experience helpful
Recreating this painting will help students understand atmospheric perspective and how to create a sense of depth using color and value. It also provides practice in depicting figures and objects in a landscape setting.
technical profile
palette complexity
3
brushwork visibility
4
value contrast
3
compositional simplicity
3
study guide
est. 8 hrsapproach — 8 steps
- step 01
Sketch the basic composition, focusing on the horizon line and placement of major elements.
- step 02
Block in the sky with a dark, muted blue-gray, leaving some lighter areas for clouds.
- step 03
Establish the basic tones of the field, using a warm yellow-brown mixture.
- step 04
Add the haystacks, varying their size and shape.
- step 05
Paint the wagon and figures, paying attention to their relative scale.
- step 06
Refine the details of the field, adding texture with visible brushstrokes.
- step 07
Adjust the values and colors to create a sense of depth and atmosphere.
- step 08
Add final highlights and shadows to enhance the form of the objects.
color palette
primary · yellow ochre · burnt umber · ultramarine blue
secondary · titanium white · raw sienna · ivory black
Mix the sky colors by blending ultramarine blue, ivory black, and a touch of white. Achieve the field colors by combining yellow ochre, burnt umber, and raw sienna, adjusting the proportions for variations.
techniques
- ·scumbling
- ·dry brushing
- ·atmospheric perspective
- ·broken color
common pitfalls
- →Making the sky too bright or saturated.
- →Creating too much detail in the background.
- →Failing to establish a clear sense of depth.
- →Overworking the brushstrokes and losing the texture.
materials
surface · stretched canvas
required
- ·stretched canvas 12x16
- ·yellow ochre oil paint
- ·burnt umber oil paint
- ·ultramarine blue oil paint
- ·titanium white oil paint
- ·round brushes sizes #2, #6
- ·linseed oil
- ·palette
optional
- ·palette knife
- ·painting medium
- ·easel
Use a medium-grit canvas to enhance the texture of the brushstrokes. Consider using a glazing medium to add depth and luminosity to the colors.
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