plate no. 7519

The Little Gardener

oil, canvasImpressionismlandscapegardenfiguretreesflowersskyclouds

some experience helpful

This painting offers practice in capturing light and shadow in a garden scene and using loose brushstrokes to create texture. Students will learn to simplify complex forms and focus on the overall impression of the scene.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 8 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Sketch the basic composition, focusing on the placement of the figure, large tree, and flower bush.
step 02
Block in the sky with light blue, adding white for the clouds.
step 03
Establish the basic green tones for the grass and background trees.
step 04
Add the darker greens for shadows and depth.
step 05
Paint the figure using light pink for the shirt and white for the pants, paying attention to the light source.
step 06
Add the pink flowers using short, broken brushstrokes to create texture.
step 07
Refine the details of the trees and foliage, adding highlights and shadows.
step 08
Add final touches and adjust values as needed.

color palette

primary · cerulean blue · sap green · titanium white · rose madder

secondary · yellow ochre · burnt umber

Mix greens by combining blue and yellow, and adjust with white or umber for value. Achieve the pinks by mixing rose madder with white, and adjust with a touch of yellow for warmth.

techniques