plate no. 5272
Under the Chestnut Tree
some experience helpful
Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in atmospheric perspective and subtle color blending to create a sense of depth and mood. It also provides practice in simplifying complex forms into basic shapes.
technical profile
palette complexity
3
brushwork visibility
3
value contrast
2
compositional simplicity
4
study guide
est. 8 hrsapproach — 8 steps
- step 01
Lightly sketch the main shapes: the tree, figures, and distant statue.
- step 02
Establish the overall color tone with a thin wash of muted green and blue.
- step 03
Block in the dark areas of the tree trunk and foliage with darker greens and browns.
- step 04
Add lighter values to the foliage to suggest the flowers, using small dabs of paint.
- step 05
Paint the figures with soft, blended strokes, focusing on the overall form rather than fine details.
- step 06
Indicate the statue in the background with a light, blurred shape.
- step 07
Refine the details of the tree trunk and foliage, adding texture with dry brush techniques.
- step 08
Adjust the values and colors to create a sense of atmospheric perspective, making distant objects lighter and less defined.
color palette
primary · sap green · ultramarine blue · raw umber
secondary · titanium white · yellow ochre · alizarin crimson
Mix greens by blending blue and yellow. Mute colors by adding a touch of complementary color (e.g., a little red to green). Achieve the hazy atmosphere by mixing white into all colors.
techniques
- ·atmospheric perspective
- ·soft blending
- ·dry brush
- ·color mixing
- ·layering
common pitfalls
- →Overworking the details and losing the overall mood.
- →Using colors that are too bright or saturated.
- →Failing to create a sense of depth and atmosphere.
- →Making the figures too defined and distracting.
materials
surface · stretched canvas
required
- ·stretched canvas
- ·acrylic or oil paints
- ·round brushes (various sizes)
- ·flat brushes (various sizes)
- ·palette
- ·palette knife
- ·linseed oil (if using oil paints)
- ·odorless mineral spirits (for cleaning brushes)
optional
- ·painting medium (e.g., Liquin)
- ·easel
- ·rags
Use a canvas with a smooth surface for easier blending. Consider using a limited palette to simplify color mixing.
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