plate no. 9617

The old stack

Hans Heysen, 1924

oilRealismlandscapehaystackslandscapefieldbuildingskytrees

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in layering washes and creating texture with dry brush techniques. It also provides practice in observing and representing subtle color variations in natural light.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 8 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Lightly sketch the main shapes of the haystacks, building, and horizon line.
step 02
Apply a light wash of diluted yellow ochre and raw sienna to the entire paper for a warm undertone.
step 03
Begin layering washes of color to define the shapes of the haystacks, starting with lighter tones and gradually adding darker values.
step 04
Use a dry brush technique to add texture to the haystacks, suggesting the straw and uneven surfaces.
step 05
Paint the building with a mix of blues, grays, and browns, paying attention to the shadows and highlights.
step 06
Add details to the foreground, including the ground and any small objects.
step 07
Paint the sky with soft washes of blue and gray, blending the colors to create a hazy effect.
step 08
Add final details and highlights to bring the painting to life.

color palette

primary · yellow ochre · raw sienna · burnt sienna · ultramarine blue

secondary · raw umber · Payne's gray · titanium white

Mix various shades of brown and yellow by combining yellow ochre, raw sienna, and burnt sienna. Use ultramarine blue and Payne's gray to create cool shadows and atmospheric effects.

techniques

·layering washes
·dry brush texture
·wet-on-dry
·color mixing
·atmospheric perspective

common pitfalls

→Overworking the washes and losing transparency.
→Using too much water and creating muddy colors.
→Neglecting the importance of value contrast.
→Failing to capture the texture of the haystacks.

materials

surface · watercolor paper 140lb

required

·Watercolor paper 140lb
·Watercolor paints
·Round brushes (various sizes)
·Flat brush
·Palette
·Water container
·Paper towels
·Pencil

optional

·Masking fluid
·Palette knife
·Easel

Use high-quality watercolor paper to prevent buckling and allow for multiple washes. Experiment with different brush sizes and techniques to achieve the desired texture.

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