plate no. 2345

Young children in a poppy field

Victor Gabriel Gilbert, 1920

oilRealismgenre paintingchildrenfieldpoppiesflowersfigureslandscape

some experience helpful

This painting provides a good opportunity to practice painting figures in a landscape and capturing the subtle color variations in a field of flowers. Students can learn to create depth through atmospheric perspective and varying brushstrokes.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 12 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Sketch the basic composition, focusing on the placement of the figures and the horizon line.
step 02
Establish the background with broad strokes, using lighter colors for the sky and distant fields.
step 03
Block in the main shapes of the figures, paying attention to proportions and gesture.
step 04
Begin layering colors in the field, using a mix of greens, yellows, and reds to create the effect of wildflowers.
step 05
Add details to the figures, such as facial features, clothing folds, and hair.
step 06
Define the poppies with small, deliberate strokes of red and black.
step 07
Refine the lighting and shadows to create depth and volume.
step 08
Add final details and highlights to complete the painting.

color palette

primary · yellow ochre · titanium white · cadmium red · sap green

secondary · ultramarine blue · burnt umber · alizarin crimson

Mix greens by combining yellow ochre and ultramarine blue. Achieve the poppy red by mixing cadmium red with a touch of alizarin crimson. Use white to lighten colors and create highlights.

techniques