plate no. 9600

The Poplars

T. C. Steele, 1914

oil, canvasImpressionismlandscapetreeslandscapeskyfoliageautumnfield

study guide

est. 8 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Sketch the basic composition, focusing on the placement of the trees and the horizon line.
step 02
Establish the sky with a light blue wash, blending it softly.
step 03
Block in the main shapes of the trees with broad strokes of yellow, green, and orange.
step 04
Add darker values to the trees to create shadows and define their forms.
step 05
Paint the foliage in the foreground with a mix of reds, oranges, and browns, using short, broken brushstrokes.
step 06
Develop the background landscape with muted colors to create a sense of distance.
step 07
Add details to the tree trunks and branches, using thin lines and varying the pressure on the brush.
step 08
Refine the overall painting, paying attention to the balance of colors and values.

color palette

primary · yellow ochre · ultramarine blue · burnt sienna

secondary · cadmium orange · sap green · titanium white

Mix greens by blending yellow ochre and ultramarine blue. Achieve various shades of brown by combining burnt sienna with ultramarine blue and small amounts of yellow ochre.

techniques

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

common pitfalls

→Overworking the details and losing the impressionistic feel.
→Using colors that are too saturated and not blending them sufficiently.
→Failing to create a sense of depth and distance in the landscape.
→Neglecting the importance of light and shadow in defining the forms of the trees.