plate no. 5977

An Autumn Day at Bassin De Flore in the Garden at Versailles

Lili Elbe, 1917

oilPost-Impressionismlandscapestatuefountainwatertreesswansleaves

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in depicting reflections in water and creating depth through atmospheric perspective. It also provides practice in rendering complex shapes and textures, such as the statue and foliage.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 15 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Begin with a light sketch outlining the main shapes: the fountain, the statues, the swans, and the background trees.
step 02
Establish the background with a thin wash of colors, focusing on the atmospheric perspective and the receding trees.
step 03
Block in the main colors of the fountain and statues, paying attention to the light and shadow.
step 04
Start building up the details of the fountain, adding texture and definition to the stone and foliage.
step 05
Paint the swans, focusing on their white plumage and reflections in the water.
step 06
Add the fallen leaves on the water surface, varying their colors and sizes.
step 07
Refine the details and add highlights to create a sense of depth and realism.
step 08
Make final adjustments to the colors and values to achieve a cohesive and harmonious composition.

color palette

primary · yellow ochre · burnt umber · titanium white · Prussian blue

secondary · cadmium yellow · raw sienna · ivory black · alizarin crimson

Mix various shades of brown and green by combining yellow ochre, burnt umber, Prussian blue, and titanium white. Achieve the off-white color of the swans by mixing titanium white with a touch of yellow ochre and burnt umber.

techniques