plate no. 5043
The shepherdess. Spring Marie Child
Roger de La Fresnaye, 1910
some experience helpful
This painting offers a good opportunity to practice simplifying forms and using a limited color palette to create a cohesive scene. Students can learn to capture the essence of a subject without intricate details.
technical profile
palette complexity
3
brushwork visibility
4
value contrast
3
compositional simplicity
3
study guide
est. 10 hrsapproach — 8 steps
- step 01
Sketch the basic shapes and composition: the shepherdess, sheep, dog, and landscape elements.
- step 02
Block in the large areas of color for the sky, ground, and figures using thin washes.
- step 03
Develop the values within each area, adding darker shadows and lighter highlights.
- step 04
Define the shapes of the figures and objects with slightly darker outlines or edges.
- step 05
Add details to the faces and features of the shepherdess and animals.
- step 06
Refine the background elements, such as the trees and clouds.
- step 07
Add final highlights and shadows to create depth and dimension.
- step 08
Review and adjust the overall composition and color balance.
color palette
primary · Prussian blue · Yellow ochre · Titanium white
secondary · Burnt umber · Cadmium yellow light
Mix various greens for the grass by combining Prussian blue and yellow ochre. Create grays and purples for the sky and clouds by mixing Prussian blue, burnt umber, and titanium white.
techniques
- ·Blocking in
- ·Color mixing
- ·Simplifying forms
- ·Layering
- ·Impasto
common pitfalls
- →Overworking the details and losing the simplicity of the original.
- →Using too many colors and creating a muddy or chaotic effect.
- →Failing to establish a clear value structure.
- →Not simplifying the forms enough, making it too realistic.
materials
surface · Stretched canvas
required
- ·Stretched canvas 12x16
- ·Acrylic or oil paints
- ·Round brushes (sizes 2, 6, 8)
- ·Flat brush (size 10)
- ·Palette
- ·Palette knife
- ·Odorless mineral spirits (if using oils)
- ·Linseed oil (optional, if using oils)
optional
- ·Medium gloss
- ·Easel
- ·Apron
Using a limited palette will help to achieve the harmonious color scheme of the original painting.
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