plate no. 3682

Trees at Cairo

oilSymbolismlandscapetreeslandscapefoliagepathlight

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students practice layering colors to create depth and using visible brushstrokes to build texture. It also provides an opportunity to understand how light affects color in a landscape.

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 trees, path, and foliage, focusing on the composition.
step 02
Establish the main light source and areas of shadow with a thin wash of burnt umber and yellow ochre.
step 03
Block in the sky and ground with broad strokes of color, paying attention to the overall color harmony.
step 04
Start layering in the foliage, using different shades of green and yellow to create depth and variation.
step 05
Add details to the trees, including the branches and hanging roots, using a smaller brush.
step 06
Refine the path and ground, adding texture and variations in color.
step 07
Adjust the values and colors as needed to create a sense of depth and atmosphere.
step 08
Add final highlights and details to complete the painting.

color palette

primary · yellow ochre · sap green · burnt umber · titanium white

secondary · ultramarine blue · cadmium yellow · alizarin crimson

Mix greens by combining yellow ochre, sap green, and ultramarine blue. Use white to lighten colors and burnt umber to darken them. Create warm browns by mixing burnt umber and yellow ochre.

techniques