plate no. 8552
Winnowing Grain
Eastman Johnson, 1879
some experience helpful
This painting helps develop skills in rendering light and shadow on a figure and creating a sense of depth using a limited color palette. It also provides practice in capturing the texture of falling grain.
technical profile
palette complexity
3
brushwork visibility
4
value contrast
4
compositional simplicity
3
study guide
est. 12 hrsapproach — 8 steps
- step 01
Sketch the basic composition, focusing on the placement of the figure and the barn structure.
- step 02
Establish the dark background areas with a thin wash of dark brown.
- step 03
Block in the main shapes of the figure, barn, and ground with mid-tone browns and grays.
- step 04
Begin to build up the highlights on the figure's shirt and hat, and on the barn siding.
- step 05
Carefully paint the falling grain, using small, broken strokes of yellow and white.
- step 06
Refine the details of the figure's face and clothing, paying attention to the light and shadow.
- step 07
Add highlights to the ground where the grain has fallen.
- step 08
Adjust values and details to create a cohesive and realistic image.
color palette
primary · burnt umber · raw sienna · titanium white
secondary · yellow ochre · ivory black
Mix browns and grays by combining burnt umber, raw sienna, and small amounts of black and white. Use yellow ochre and white to create the color of the grain.
techniques
- ·chiaroscuro
- ·scumbling
- ·dry brushing
- ·layering
- ·glazing
common pitfalls
- →Overworking the details too early in the process.
- →Failing to establish a strong value structure.
- →Making the grain appear too uniform and static.
- →Not paying enough attention to the subtle color variations in the shadows.
materials
surface · stretched canvas
required
- ·stretched canvas
- ·burnt umber oil paint
- ·raw sienna oil paint
- ·titanium white oil paint
- ·yellow ochre oil paint
- ·ivory black oil paint
- ·round brushes (sizes 2, 4, 6)
- ·linseed oil
optional
- ·palette knife
- ·medium (e.g., Liquin)
Use a medium-grain canvas for best results. Consider toning the canvas with a thin wash of burnt umber before starting.
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