plate no. 1511
The Sower
Peter Fendi, 1839
some experience helpful
Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in figure painting, atmospheric perspective, and creating depth through layering and value control. It also offers practice in capturing realistic textures using varied brushstrokes.
technical profile
palette complexity
4
brushwork visibility
4
value contrast
4
compositional simplicity
3
study guide
est. 15 hrsapproach — 8 steps
- step 01
Sketch the basic composition, focusing on the placement of the figure, church, and horizon line.
- step 02
Establish the main light source and block in the large areas of color, starting with the sky and background.
- step 03
Develop the values and forms of the figure, paying attention to the light and shadow on the clothing and face.
- step 04
Add details to the church and surrounding landscape, using smaller brushes to create texture and definition.
- step 05
Refine the foreground, focusing on the texture of the soil and the scattering of seeds.
- step 06
Blend and soften edges where needed to create a sense of atmosphere and depth.
- step 07
Add final highlights and details to bring the painting to life.
- step 08
Let it dry and add a varnish layer to protect the painting.
color palette
primary · burnt umber · yellow ochre · titanium white · ultramarine blue
secondary · cadmium red · sap green
Achieve the earthy tones by mixing burnt umber, yellow ochre, and white. Create atmospheric blues by diluting ultramarine with white and a touch of burnt umber.
techniques
- ·dry brush texture
- ·blending
- ·layering
- ·scumbling
- ·atmospheric perspective
common pitfalls
- →Overworking the details too early in the process.
- →Failing to establish a clear light source.
- →Using too much detail in the background, which can flatten the image.
- →Not paying attention to the proportions of the figure.
materials
surface · stretched canvas
required
- ·stretched canvas 16x20
- ·burnt umber oil paint
- ·yellow ochre oil paint
- ·titanium white oil paint
- ·ultramarine blue oil paint
- ·round brushes (sizes 2, 4, 6)
- ·flat brushes (sizes 4, 8)
- ·linseed oil
optional
- ·palette knife
- ·medium gloss
- ·easel
Use a medium-grit canvas for better texture. Consider using a toned canvas (e.g., with a thin wash of burnt umber) to establish a base value.
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