plate no. 7978

Winter Sunlight

Frederick McCubbin, 1908

oilImpressionismlandscapetreesfieldchickensfenceskyfoliage

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in layering colors to create depth and texture, as well as capturing the effects of light and shadow in a landscape. It will also teach them how to simplify complex scenes by focusing on essential shapes and colors.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 8 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Sketch the basic composition, including the horizon line, trees, fence, and the general placement of the chickens.
step 02
Establish the sky with light blues and whites, blending softly.
step 03
Block in the large shapes of the trees and foliage with mixtures of greens, browns, and yellows.
step 04
Add darker values to the shadows under the trees and in the foliage to create depth.
step 05
Begin layering colors in the field, using greens, yellows, and touches of brown to create texture and variation.
step 06
Paint the fence with browns and grays, paying attention to the light and shadow.
step 07
Add the chickens with small strokes of white, brown, and black, capturing their shapes and movement.
step 08
Refine details and add highlights to create a sense of light and atmosphere.

color palette

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

secondary · ultramarine blue · cadmium yellow · raw sienna

Mix greens by combining yellow ochre, sap green, and a touch of ultramarine blue. Create browns by mixing burnt umber with yellow ochre and a touch of blue. Use white to lighten colors and create highlights.

techniques