plate no. 7634
The Scythers
N.C. Wyeth, 1908
some experience helpful
Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in rendering figures in a landscape and understanding the effects of light and shadow on form. It also provides practice in creating depth through atmospheric perspective and color temperature changes.
technical profile
palette complexity
4
brushwork visibility
3
value contrast
4
compositional simplicity
3
study guide
est. 20 hrsapproach — 8 steps
- step 01
Sketch the basic composition, focusing on the placement of the figures and the horizon line.
- step 02
Establish the main value structure with a thin wash of burnt umber or raw sienna.
- step 03
Block in the large areas of color, such as the sky, field, and figures' clothing.
- step 04
Begin refining the figures, paying attention to the light and shadow patterns on their forms.
- step 05
Develop the details of the field, using broken color to create texture and depth.
- step 06
Add the details of the straw hats and scythes, using precise brushstrokes.
- step 07
Refine the background landscape, using softer edges and muted colors to create atmospheric perspective.
- step 08
Add final highlights and shadows to enhance the sense of realism.
color palette
primary · yellow ochre · burnt sienna · ultramarine blue
secondary · cadmium red · titanium white · viridian green
Achieve the warm, earthy tones by mixing burnt sienna with yellow ochre and a touch of red. Use ultramarine blue and white to create the cool, atmospheric sky. Mix greens with yellow ochre and ultramarine blue, adjusting the ratio for different shades.
techniques
- ·underpainting
- ·broken color
- ·glazing
- ·scumbling
- ·atmospheric perspective
common pitfalls
- →Getting the proportions of the figures wrong.
- →Overworking the details in the field, resulting in a flat, lifeless texture.
- →Failing to create a sense of depth through atmospheric perspective.
- →Using colors that are too saturated, resulting in an unnatural look.
materials
surface · stretched canvas
required
- ·Stretched canvas 18x24
- ·Oil paints: Yellow Ochre, Burnt Sienna, Ultramarine Blue, Titanium White, Cadmium Red, Viridian Green
- ·Palette
- ·Assorted brushes (round and flat)
- ·Linseed oil
- ·Odorless mineral spirits
- ·Palette knife
- ·Rags
optional
- ·Retouch varnish
- ·Medium (alkyd)
Use a medium-tooth canvas for best results. Consider using a limited palette to simplify the color mixing process.
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