plate no. 4708

A September Day

George Henry, 1935

oilImpressionismlandscapelandscapefigureslaketreesskyswans

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in color mixing for natural light and shadow, as well as layering techniques to create depth in a landscape. It also provides practice in capturing figures in a relaxed, informal setting.

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 horizon line, the placement of the figures, and the main shapes of the trees and lake.
step 02
Block in the sky with light blues and whites, blending softly to create a sense of atmosphere.
step 03
Establish the main color masses for the trees and grass, using a mix of greens, yellows, and browns.
step 04
Paint the figures, paying attention to the light and shadow on their clothing and skin.
step 05
Add the details of the lake, including the reflections of the trees and sky.
step 06
Develop the foreground with details of grass, reeds, and any other plants.
step 07
Add the swans and any other small details.
step 08
Refine the painting, adjusting colors and values as needed to create a cohesive and harmonious image.

color palette

primary · cerulean blue · yellow ochre · titanium white · sap green

secondary · alizarin crimson · burnt umber · ultramarine blue

Mix greens by combining yellow ochre and ultramarine blue, and adjust the hue with white or burnt umber. Achieve the sky colors by mixing cerulean blue and white, adding a touch of alizarin crimson for warmth.

techniques

·broken color
·scumbling
·wet-on-wet blending
·atmospheric perspective
·color layering

common pitfalls

→Overworking the details too early
→Creating muddy colors by overmixing
→Ignoring the effects of light and shadow
→Failing to establish a clear focal point

materials

surface · stretched canvas

required

·stretched canvas 16x20
·#4 round brush
·#8 flat brush
·acrylic or oil paints
·palette
·linseed oil (if using oil paints)
·palette knife

optional

·painting medium
·easel
·rags

Use a medium-tooth canvas for a good balance between texture and detail. If using acrylics, consider using a slow-drying medium to allow for more blending time.

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