plate no. 1965
The Recall of the Gleaners
Jules Breton, 1859
experienced study
Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in rendering figures in a landscape and understanding atmospheric perspective to create depth. It also provides practice in capturing subtle light and shadow variations.
technical profile
palette complexity
4
brushwork visibility
3
value contrast
4
compositional simplicity
2
study guide
est. 25 hrsapproach — 8 steps
- step 01
Sketch the basic composition, focusing on the placement of the figures and the horizon line.
- step 02
Establish the overall color scheme with a thin wash of warm tones for the sky and cooler tones for the ground.
- step 03
Block in the main shapes of the figures, paying attention to their proportions and poses.
- step 04
Begin to refine the details of the figures, adding highlights and shadows to create form.
- step 05
Develop the background landscape, using atmospheric perspective to create depth.
- step 06
Add details to the foreground, such as the wheat and the poppies.
- step 07
Refine the overall composition, adjusting values and colors as needed.
- step 08
Add final details and highlights to complete the painting.
color palette
primary · yellow ochre · burnt umber · titanium white · Prussian blue
secondary · cadmium red · viridian green · raw sienna
Mix various shades of brown and green by combining burnt umber, yellow ochre, and Prussian blue. Use titanium white to lighten colors and create highlights. Add small amounts of cadmium red to warm up the browns and greens.
techniques
- ·glazing
- ·scumbling
- ·atmospheric perspective
- ·figure drawing
- ·chiaroscuro
common pitfalls
- →Overworking the details too early in the process.
- →Failing to establish a strong value structure.
- →Ignoring the principles of atmospheric perspective.
- →Getting the proportions of the figures wrong.
materials
surface · stretched canvas
required
- ·stretched canvas 24x48
- ·oil paints
- ·palette
- ·palette knife
- ·assorted brushes (round, flat, filbert)
- ·linseed oil
- ·turpentine
- ·rags
optional
- ·medium gloss
- ·easel
- ·mahl stick
Use a high-quality canvas and oil paints for best results. Consider using a medium to improve the flow of the paint.
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