plate no. 3519
The Old Oak
Jules Dupre, 1870
some experience helpful
Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in atmospheric perspective and capturing the texture of foliage with loose brushwork. It also provides practice in creating a dynamic sky and suggesting depth in a landscape.
technical profile
palette complexity
4
brushwork visibility
4
value contrast
4
compositional simplicity
3
study guide
est. 12 hrsapproach — 8 steps
- step 01
Sketch the basic composition, focusing on the placement of the main tree and horizon line.
- step 02
Block in the sky with broad strokes, establishing the light and dark areas of the clouds.
- step 03
Establish the base colors of the landscape, paying attention to the overall value structure.
- step 04
Begin adding details to the tree, using varied brushstrokes to suggest leaves and branches.
- step 05
Develop the foreground with textured brushwork, adding details to the grass and rocks.
- step 06
Refine the sky, blending the clouds and adding highlights.
- step 07
Add the figure and other small details to enhance the sense of scale and depth.
- step 08
Add final highlights and shadows to create a sense of depth and atmosphere.
color palette
primary · ultramarine blue · burnt umber · yellow ochre · titanium white
secondary · sap green · cadmium yellow · raw sienna
Mix various shades of green by combining yellow ochre, ultramarine blue, and a touch of burnt umber. Achieve atmospheric perspective by lightening and desaturating colors as they recede into the distance.
techniques
- ·dry brush texture
- ·scumbling
- ·atmospheric perspective
- ·broken color
- ·wet-on-dry layering
common pitfalls
- →Overworking the details, losing the loose and impressionistic feel.
- →Failing to establish a strong value structure, resulting in a flat painting.
- →Using colors that are too saturated, diminishing the atmospheric effect.
- →Neglecting the importance of edges, making the painting look too sharp.
materials
surface · stretched canvas
required
- ·stretched canvas 18x24
- ·ultramarine blue oil paint
- ·burnt umber oil paint
- ·yellow ochre oil paint
- ·titanium white oil paint
- ·round brushes (various sizes)
- ·flat brushes (various sizes)
- ·linseed oil
optional
- ·palette knife
- ·painting medium
- ·varnish
Use a medium-textured canvas to enhance the brushwork. Consider using a limited palette to create color harmony.
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