plate no. 0744
The Mill
Henri Rousseau, 1896
suitable for beginners
This painting is great for practicing simplified forms and understanding how to create depth using color and size. Students will also learn to create a sense of perspective with simple shapes.
technical profile
palette complexity
2
brushwork visibility
3
value contrast
3
compositional simplicity
3
study guide
est. 8 hrsapproach — 8 steps
- step 01
Sketch the basic shapes of the building, landscape, and water, focusing on proportions.
- step 02
Block in the sky with a light blue, blending slightly to create soft clouds.
- step 03
Paint the large areas of color: the brown hills, the green trees, and the blue water.
- step 04
Add the main structure of the mill, including the red roof and the brown support beams.
- step 05
Define the details of the building, such as windows and the chimney.
- step 06
Paint the smaller details like the figure, the bridge, and the waterfall.
- step 07
Add highlights and shadows to create depth and dimension.
- step 08
Refine the details and make any necessary adjustments.
color palette
primary · sky blue · red oxide · titanium white · sap green
secondary · raw umber · yellow ochre · ultramarine blue
Mix greens by blending blue and yellow. Use white to lighten colors and create highlights. Mix browns by combining red, yellow, and blue.
techniques
- ·flat color application
- ·blending
- ·layering
- ·simplified shapes
- ·atmospheric perspective
common pitfalls
- →Overcomplicating the details of the building.
- →Not establishing a clear sense of perspective.
- →Using colors that are too vibrant or saturated.
- →Ignoring the subtle variations in color and value.
materials
surface · stretched canvas
required
- ·stretched canvas
- ·acrylic or oil paints
- ·round brushes
- ·flat brushes
- ·palette
- ·palette knife
- ·linseed oil (if using oil paints)
- ·turpentine or mineral spirits (for cleaning brushes)
optional
- ·easel
- ·medium gloss
- ·retarder
Use a medium-grain canvas for best results. Acrylics are easier to clean up, but oils allow for more blending time.
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