plate no. 6764

The Oak of Flagey (The Oak of Vercingetorix)

oil, canvasRealismlandscapetreelandscapefieldskyfoliagedog

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students understand how to create depth using atmospheric perspective and how to depict complex textures with broken color and visible brushstrokes. It also provides practice in simplifying a complex scene into manageable shapes and values.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 12 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Sketch the basic shapes of the tree, horizon line, and other trees in the background.
step 02
Establish the main value structure by blocking in the darks and lights of the tree trunk and foliage.
step 03
Begin layering in the greens and browns of the foliage, using broken color to create texture.
step 04
Paint the field, focusing on the subtle color variations and the direction of the brushstrokes to suggest the grass.
step 05
Add the background details, such as the distant trees and sky, using lighter values to create atmospheric perspective.
step 06
Refine the details of the tree trunk, paying attention to the texture and the way the light falls on it.
step 07
Add the small details like the dog and any highlights.
step 08
Review and adjust the overall composition, values, and colors.

color palette

primary · sap green · burnt umber · yellow ochre

secondary · titanium white · ultramarine blue · raw sienna

Mix greens by combining yellow ochre and ultramarine blue, then adjust with white or burnt umber. Achieve the earth tones by mixing burnt umber, yellow ochre, and white. Use thin washes of color to build up layers and create depth.

techniques

·broken color
·scumbling
·dry brushing
·atmospheric perspective
·layering

common pitfalls

→Overworking the details and losing the overall impression.
→Making the colors too saturated and not achieving the muted tones of the original.
→Not establishing a strong value structure early on.
→Ignoring the atmospheric perspective and making the background too detailed.

materials

surface · stretched canvas

required

·stretched canvas 18x24
·oil paints (sap green, burnt umber, yellow ochre, titanium white, ultramarine blue, raw sienna)
·turpentine or odorless mineral spirits
·linseed oil
·palette
·assorted brushes (round and flat)
·palette knife
·rags