plate no. 4010
The Terrace at Méric (Oleander)
Frederic Bazille, 1867
some experience helpful
This painting is excellent for practicing color mixing to achieve natural greens and pinks, and for learning how to suggest form with loose brushstrokes rather than precise detail. Students will also learn about atmospheric perspective and how to create depth in a landscape.
technical profile
palette complexity
4
brushwork visibility
4
value contrast
3
compositional simplicity
3
study guide
est. 12 hrsapproach — 8 steps
- step 01
Sketch the basic composition, including the tree, building, flower bushes, bench, and figure.
- step 02
Establish the main light and shadow areas with thin washes of color.
- step 03
Block in the sky and the general color of the foliage using broad brushstrokes.
- step 04
Start adding details to the flower bushes, using small dabs of color to represent individual flowers.
- step 05
Refine the details of the tree trunk and branches, paying attention to the texture of the bark.
- step 06
Develop the figure on the bench, focusing on capturing the form with simple shapes and values.
- step 07
Add highlights and shadows to create depth and dimension.
- step 08
Refine the details and adjust the colors as needed to achieve the desired effect.
color palette
primary · sap green · cadmium red light · titanium white · yellow ochre
secondary · ultramarine blue · burnt umber · alizarin crimson
Mix greens by combining yellow ochre, sap green, and ultramarine blue. Achieve pinks by mixing cadmium red light and titanium white, adjusting the hue with a touch of alizarin crimson.
techniques
- ·broken color
- ·scumbling
- ·alla prima
- ·atmospheric perspective
- ·color mixing
common pitfalls
- →Overworking the details and losing the freshness of the brushstrokes.
- →Using colors straight from the tube without mixing them properly.
- →Failing to establish a clear sense of light and shadow.
- →Making the composition too symmetrical or static.
materials
surface · stretched canvas
required
- ·stretched canvas 16x20
- ·oil paints
- ·palette
- ·palette knife
- ·assorted brushes (round and flat)
- ·linseed oil
- ·turpentine
- ·rags
optional
- ·painting medium
- ·easel
- ·varnish
Use a medium-grain canvas for best results. Consider using a limited palette to simplify the color mixing process.
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