plate no. 2568
War Scene, Etaples, France
Henry Ossawa Tanner, 1914
some experience helpful
Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in capturing atmospheric perspective and simplifying complex scenes into basic shapes and values. It also provides practice in using visible brushstrokes to create texture and movement.
technical profile
palette complexity
3
brushwork visibility
4
value contrast
3
compositional simplicity
3
study guide
est. 8 hrsapproach — 8 steps
- step 01
Lightly sketch the basic composition, focusing on the horizon line and the placement of major elements like buildings and figures.
- step 02
Block in the sky with a thin wash of yellow ochre and white, varying the tones slightly.
- step 03
Establish the basic shapes and values of the buildings using a mix of yellow ochre, burnt sienna, and white.
- step 04
Paint the figures with simplified shapes and muted colors, focusing on their overall form rather than details.
- step 05
Add the bridge and water using short, broken brushstrokes to create texture and movement.
- step 06
Introduce green for the grass and trees, keeping the colors muted and harmonious with the rest of the painting.
- step 07
Refine the details of the buildings and figures, adding subtle variations in color and value.
- step 08
Add final touches and highlights to create depth and interest.
color palette
primary · yellow ochre · burnt sienna · titanium white
secondary · raw umber · sap green · ultramarine blue
Mix yellow ochre and white for the sky and light-colored buildings. Use burnt sienna and raw umber for darker areas and shadows. Mix sap green and raw umber for muted greens.
techniques
- ·broken color
- ·scumbling
- ·dry brush
- ·atmospheric perspective
- ·alla prima
common pitfalls
- →Overworking the details and losing the overall impressionistic effect.
- →Using colors that are too bright or saturated.
- →Failing to establish a clear value structure.
- →Making the figures too detailed and realistic.
materials
surface · stretched canvas
required
- ·Stretched canvas (12x16 inches)
- ·Oil paints (yellow ochre, burnt sienna, titanium white, raw umber, sap green, ultramarine blue)
- ·Palette
- ·Palette knife
- ·Assorted brushes (round and flat)
- ·Odorless mineral spirits
- ·Linseed oil
- ·Rags
optional
- ·medium gloss
- ·easel
- ·painting knife
Use a canvas with a medium texture to enhance the brushwork. Consider using a limited palette to simplify the color mixing process.
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