plate no. 9618
The Haymakers
Julien Dupré, 1905
some experience helpful
Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in depicting atmospheric perspective and rendering realistic figures in a landscape setting. It also provides practice in creating texture with brushstrokes.
technical profile
palette complexity
4
brushwork visibility
4
value contrast
3
compositional simplicity
3
study guide
est. 12 hrsapproach — 8 steps
- step 01
Sketch the basic composition, focusing on the placement of the figures, hay wagon, and horizon line.
- step 02
Establish the sky with broad, blended strokes of light purple and white.
- step 03
Block in the general shapes of the field and hay with mixtures of green, brown, and yellow.
- step 04
Add the larger details of the hay wagon and horses, paying attention to their proportions.
- step 05
Begin to refine the figures, adding details to their clothing and faces.
- step 06
Develop the texture of the hay with short, broken brushstrokes.
- step 07
Add highlights and shadows to create depth and dimension.
- step 08
Refine the details and adjust the values to create a cohesive and atmospheric painting.
color palette
primary · yellow ochre · burnt umber · titanium white · ultramarine blue
secondary · cadmium yellow · alizarin crimson · raw sienna
Achieve the muted greens by mixing yellow ochre, ultramarine blue, and a touch of burnt umber. Use white to lighten the values and create atmospheric haze.
techniques
- ·scumbling
- ·dry brushing
- ·atmospheric perspective
- ·broken color
- ·alla prima
common pitfalls
- →Overworking the details and losing the overall impressionistic feel.
- →Creating harsh lines and edges instead of soft transitions.
- →Failing to establish a clear value structure.
- →Not paying attention to the proportions of the figures and horses.
materials
surface · stretched canvas
required
- ·stretched canvas 18x24
- ·oil paints
- ·palette
- ·linseed oil
- ·turpentine
- ·#4 round brush
- ·#6 flat brush
- ·palette knife
optional
- ·painting medium
- ·varnish
- ·easel
Use a medium-tooth canvas to allow for texture. Consider using a limited palette to simplify color mixing.
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