plate no. 8233
The tree in early spring (The Gaza field in Karlovac) en plein air
Alfred Freddy Krupa, 1995
some experience helpful
This painting provides an opportunity to practice loose brushwork and color mixing to create a sense of atmosphere. Students can learn to simplify complex scenes and focus on capturing the overall impression.
technical profile
palette complexity
3
brushwork visibility
4
value contrast
3
compositional simplicity
3
study guide
est. 6 hrsapproach — 8 steps
- step 01
Sketch the basic composition, indicating the horizon line, tree placement, and major shapes.
- step 02
Block in the sky with broad strokes of blue and white, blending slightly.
- step 03
Establish the distant landmass with a thin wash of brown and purple.
- step 04
Lay in the base color for the field using a mix of white, ochre, and a touch of green.
- step 05
Paint the tree branches with dark brown, using varied brushstrokes to create texture.
- step 06
Add highlights to the field and sky with lighter shades of white and blue.
- step 07
Create shadows and details in the field with darker browns and greens.
- step 08
Refine the details of the tree branches and add any final touches.
color palette
primary · ultramarine blue · titanium white · burnt umber
secondary · yellow ochre · sap green · purple
Mix blues and white for the sky, adding a touch of green for variation. Use burnt umber and white for the tree, and mix ochre, white, and green for the field. Create a muted purple by mixing red and blue with a touch of brown for the distant land.
techniques
- ·wet-on-wet blending
- ·broken color
- ·scumbling
- ·alla prima
common pitfalls
- →Overworking the details and losing the loose, painterly feel.
- →Making the colors too saturated and not capturing the muted tones of the landscape.
- →Not varying the brushstrokes enough, resulting in a flat and lifeless painting.
- →Failing to establish a clear focal point.
materials
surface · stretched canvas
required
- ·stretched canvas
- ·oil paints (ultramarine blue, titanium white, burnt umber, yellow ochre, sap green)
- ·palette
- ·palette knife
- ·linseed oil
- ·odorless mineral spirits
- ·assorted brushes (flat and round)
- ·rags
optional
- ·medium gloss
- ·easel
- ·painting knife
Use a medium-sized canvas (e.g., 12x16 inches) for this study. Consider using a limited palette to simplify the color mixing process.
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