plate no. 9846

Windswept Trees

Gregoire Boonzaier, 1945

oilImpressionismlandscapetreeslandscapeskygrasscloudsfoliage

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in layering colors to create depth and using expressive brushstrokes to capture movement and texture. It also provides practice in simplifying complex forms into basic shapes.

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 and the horizon line.
step 02
Block in the sky with light blues and whites, using loose brushstrokes.
step 03
Establish the main masses of the trees with dark greens and browns.
step 04
Add highlights to the trees and foliage to create form.
step 05
Paint the ground plane with a mix of greens, browns, and yellows.
step 06
Develop the details of the branches and foliage, using smaller brushes.
step 07
Refine the sky and clouds, adding subtle color variations.
step 08
Add final touches and adjust values as needed.

color palette

primary · Prussian Blue · Yellow Ochre · Burnt Umber

secondary · Titanium White · Sap Green · Cadmium Yellow

Mix greens by combining Prussian Blue and Yellow Ochre. Use Burnt Umber to create dark shadows and earthy tones. Add Titanium White to lighten colors and create highlights.

techniques