plate no. 7781

Tree and house

Amedeo Modigliani, 1919

oil, canvasExpressionismlandscapebuildingtreelandscapeskywallpath

some experience helpful

This painting offers practice in simplifying complex forms into basic shapes and using a limited palette to create a cohesive and atmospheric scene. Students can develop skills in layering and blending to achieve subtle color variations and textures.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 8 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Sketch the basic shapes of the building, tree, and path, focusing on proportions and composition.
step 02
Block in the sky with a thin layer of light blue-gray, allowing some of the canvas to show through.
step 03
Establish the main values of the building and wall using a mix of browns, grays, and ochre.
step 04
Paint the tree trunk and branches with dark brown, varying the thickness and direction of the strokes.
step 05
Add the foliage around the building and in the background using greens and yellows, blending them softly.
step 06
Define the path with light grays and whites, creating a sense of depth and perspective.
step 07
Refine the details of the building, such as the window and roof, using darker tones and sharper edges.
step 08
Add final touches and highlights to the tree, foliage, and building to enhance the overall effect.

color palette

primary · raw umber · titanium white · ultramarine blue

secondary · yellow ochre · sap green · burnt sienna

Mix browns and grays by combining raw umber, ultramarine blue, and titanium white. Achieve green tones by mixing yellow ochre and ultramarine blue, adjusting the proportions for different shades.

techniques

·dry brushing
·scumbling
·layering
·color mixing
·simplification

common pitfalls

→Overworking the details and losing the simplicity of the original painting.
→Using too much paint and creating a heavy, muddy effect.
→Failing to establish a clear value structure and creating a flat, uninteresting composition.
→Neglecting the subtle color variations and creating a monotonous palette.

materials

surface · stretched canvas

required

·stretched canvas (12x16 inches)
·raw umber oil paint
·titanium white oil paint
·ultramarine blue oil paint
·yellow ochre oil paint
·round brushes (sizes 2, 6)
·palette
·linseed oil

optional

·palette knife
·medium (e.g., Liquin)
·easel

Use a canvas with a medium texture to allow for better paint adhesion and brushstroke visibility. Consider using a toned canvas to create a more unified and harmonious effect.

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