plate no. 7072
The Reaper
Julien Dupré, 1905
some experience helpful
Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in depicting atmospheric perspective and rendering realistic textures of grass and fabric using layering and scumbling techniques.
technical profile
palette complexity
4
brushwork visibility
4
value contrast
3
compositional simplicity
3
study guide
est. 12 hrsapproach — 8 steps
- step 01
Sketch the basic composition, focusing on the placement of the figure and the horizon line.
- step 02
Establish the sky with broad, blended strokes, creating soft cloud formations.
- step 03
Block in the main shapes of the figure, paying attention to proportions and posture.
- step 04
Lay down the base colors for the field, using a mix of greens, yellows, and browns.
- step 05
Begin adding details to the figure, refining the clothing and facial features.
- step 06
Develop the texture of the grass and hay using short, broken brushstrokes and layering.
- step 07
Add highlights and shadows to create depth and dimension.
- step 08
Refine the overall composition, adjusting colors and values as needed.
color palette
primary · raw umber · yellow ochre · titanium white
secondary · ultramarine blue · burnt sienna · cadmium yellow
Achieve the muted greens by mixing yellow ochre, ultramarine blue, and a touch of raw umber. Use white to lighten values and create atmospheric haze.
techniques
- ·scumbling
- ·layering
- ·dry brushing
- ·atmospheric perspective
- ·broken color
common pitfalls
- →Overworking the details and losing the overall impressionistic feel.
- →Creating overly saturated colors that clash with the muted palette.
- →Failing to establish a clear sense of depth and perspective.
- →Ignoring the subtle variations in color and value within the grass and sky.
materials
surface · stretched canvas
required
- ·stretched canvas 18x24
- ·oil paints
- ·round brushes (sizes 2, 4, 6)
- ·flat brushes (sizes 4, 8)
- ·palette
- ·linseed oil
- ·turpentine
- ·palette knife
optional
- ·painting medium
- ·easel
- ·rags
- ·mahl stick
Use a medium-tooth canvas to allow for good paint adhesion and texture.
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