plate no. 6653

The Windswept Farm

Dorrit Black, 1937

oilCubismlandscapetreeslandscapefarmskybuildingpath

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in simplifying complex scenes into geometric shapes and understanding color relationships to create depth and form. Students will also learn about creating texture with brushstrokes.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 8 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Lightly sketch the basic shapes of the landscape: horizon line, large tree masses, and building outlines.
step 02
Divide the landscape into distinct areas: sky, trees, ground, and buildings.
step 03
Block in the sky with a light beige, adding subtle blue-grey clouds.
step 04
Paint the ground with a base layer of ochre, then add variations of brown and red for texture and depth.
step 05
Paint the trees with dark green and brown, using short, choppy strokes to create texture.
step 06
Add the building with simplified geometric shapes, using blues, browns, and whites.
step 07
Define the path with a muted red-brown, adding subtle shadows to create depth.
step 08
Add final details and highlights to enhance the overall composition.

color palette

primary · ochre · dark green · brown · beige

secondary · blue-grey · red-brown · white

Mix ochre with burnt sienna and a touch of white for the ground. Create the dark green by mixing viridian green with burnt umber. Achieve the blue-grey sky by mixing ultramarine blue with white and a touch of grey.

techniques

·blocking
·scumbling
·dry brushing
·color layering
·geometric simplification

common pitfalls

→Overcomplicating the shapes and details.
→Using colors that are too saturated.
→Not creating enough contrast between the different areas.
→Ignoring the texture of the original painting.

materials

surface · stretched canvas

required

·Stretched canvas (12x16 inches)
·Acrylic or oil paints (ochre, dark green, brown, beige, blue-grey, red-brown, white)
·Round brushes (various sizes)
·Flat brushes (various sizes)
·Palette
·Palette knife
·Odorless mineral spirits or water (depending on paint type)
·Rags

optional

·Medium (for oil paints)
·Easel
·Reference photo

Use a canvas with a medium texture to help create the desired brushstroke effect. Acrylic paints will dry faster, while oil paints will allow for more blending time.

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