plate no. 5639

Thistles on Orange

Erin Hanson, 2016

oilExpressionismlandscapelandscapehillsskythistlestreesvegetation

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in impasto techniques and understanding how to use color temperature to create depth. It also encourages expressive mark-making and simplification of forms.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 8 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Sketch the basic composition, indicating the horizon line, hills, and placement of the thistles.
step 02
Apply a thin wash of burnt sienna or orange as an underpainting.
step 03
Begin blocking in the sky with broad strokes of orange and lavender, blending slightly.
step 04
Define the hills using varying shades of orange, yellow, and brown, applying thick, textured brushstrokes.
step 05
Add the trees and bushes with short, choppy strokes of green and brown.
step 06
Paint the thistles in the foreground using purple, red, and brown, paying attention to the direction of the light.
step 07
Refine the details and add highlights to create depth and dimension.
step 08
Add final touches and adjust colors as needed to achieve the desired effect.

color palette

primary · cadmium orange · cadmium yellow · ultramarine blue

secondary · alizarin crimson · titanium white · viridian green

Mix various shades of orange by combining cadmium orange and cadmium yellow. Create purple by mixing ultramarine blue and alizarin crimson. Use titanium white to lighten colors and create highlights.

techniques

·impasto
·broken color
·color temperature
·scumbling
·alla prima

common pitfalls

→Over-blending the colors, resulting in a muddy appearance.
→Not varying the brushstrokes enough, leading to a flat and uninteresting texture.
→Failing to establish a clear focal point.
→Ignoring the principles of atmospheric perspective.