plate no. 1603

Ancient Tree by the River

Wu Guanzhong, 1977

oilImpressionismlandscapetreeriverlandscapereflectionbuildingsmountains

some experience helpful

This painting offers practice in capturing reflections in water and creating depth through atmospheric perspective. Students will develop skills in loose brushwork and color mixing to achieve a muted, naturalistic palette.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 8 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Sketch the basic composition, focusing on the placement of the tree, river, and distant landscape.
step 02
Block in the large shapes of color, starting with the sky and water using thin washes.
step 03
Establish the darker values of the tree trunk and branches, paying attention to their structure.
step 04
Add the lighter tones of the foliage and distant buildings, using a slightly thicker paint consistency.
step 05
Develop the reflections in the water, mirroring the shapes and colors above with subtle variations.
step 06
Refine the details of the tree, adding texture and highlights with dry brush techniques.
step 07
Adjust the values and colors throughout the painting to create a sense of depth and atmosphere.
step 08
Add final details and highlights to enhance the overall composition.

color palette

primary · gray · green · brown · yellow

secondary · white · blue · ochre

Achieve the muted tones by mixing complementary colors and adding white or gray to dull the intensity. Use thin washes of color for the sky and water, and build up thicker layers for the tree and foliage.

techniques