plate no. 9533

The Squatter's Daughter

George Washington Lambert, 1924

oilSymbolismgenre paintinglandscapetreeshorsefigurehillsgrass

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in layering colors to create depth and modeling forms with subtle value changes. It also provides practice in depicting complex organic shapes like trees and foliage.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 15 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Create a light sketch outlining the main shapes: the trees, hill, horse, and figure.
step 02
Block in the sky with a thin layer of blue, gradually adding subtle variations in tone.
step 03
Establish the basic colors of the hill and foreground, focusing on the overall warm tones.
step 04
Begin layering in the darker greens and browns of the trees, paying attention to the light and shadow.
step 05
Model the form of the horse and figure, using subtle value changes to create a sense of volume.
step 06
Add details to the trees, such as branches and leaves, using a variety of brushstrokes.
step 07
Refine the foreground with details like grass and fallen logs, varying the color and texture.
step 08
Add final highlights and shadows to enhance the overall sense of depth and realism.

color palette

primary · ultramarine blue · yellow ochre · burnt umber · titanium white

secondary · sap green · cadmium yellow · raw sienna

Mix greens by combining yellow ochre and ultramarine blue. Achieve earth tones by mixing burnt umber with yellow ochre and white. Use white to lighten and cool colors.

techniques

·layering
·dry brushing
·scumbling
·color mixing
·atmospheric perspective

common pitfalls

→Overworking the details too early in the process.
→Creating muddy colors by overmixing.
→Ignoring the subtle value changes that create depth.
→Failing to establish a clear focal point.

materials

surface · stretched canvas

required

·stretched canvas (18x24 inches)
·oil paints (ultramarine blue, yellow ochre, burnt umber, titanium white, sap green)
·palette
·assorted brushes (round and flat)
·linseed oil
·turpentine or odorless mineral spirits
·palette knife