plate no. 4222
Animals Crossing a Flooded River with a Distant Waterfall
Andre Bauchant, 1924
some experience helpful
Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in layering colors to create depth and texture, as well as simplifying complex forms into basic shapes. It also encourages observation of light and shadow in a natural setting.
technical profile
palette complexity
3
brushwork visibility
4
value contrast
3
compositional simplicity
3
study guide
est. 8 hrsapproach — 8 steps
- step 01
Sketch the basic composition, focusing on the placement of the trees, waterfall, and animals.
- step 02
Block in the main color areas: sky, water, trees, and ground.
- step 03
Add darker values to establish shadows and define forms.
- step 04
Layer lighter values to create highlights and add dimension.
- step 05
Refine the details of the trees, foliage, and waterfall.
- step 06
Paint the animals, paying attention to their form and proportion.
- step 07
Add final touches and highlights to enhance the overall effect.
- step 08
Allow to dry and varnish.
color palette
primary · sap green · raw umber · titanium white · cerulean blue
secondary · yellow ochre · burnt sienna · payne's gray
Mix greens by combining sap green, yellow ochre, and raw umber. Create muted grays by mixing titanium white and payne's gray. Use burnt sienna to warm up the browns.
techniques
- ·dry brushing
- ·layering
- ·scumbling
- ·color mixing
- ·atmospheric perspective
common pitfalls
- →Overworking the details and losing the overall simplicity.
- →Using colors that are too saturated and unnatural.
- →Failing to establish a clear value structure.
- →Ignoring the atmospheric perspective and creating a flat image.
materials
surface · stretched canvas
required
- ·stretched canvas
- ·acrylic or oil paints
- ·round brushes
- ·flat brushes
- ·palette
- ·palette knife
- ·linseed oil (if using oils)
- ·mineral spirits (if using oils)
optional
- ·medium gloss
- ·easel
- ·rags
Use a medium-grain canvas for best results. Acrylics are more beginner-friendly due to faster drying times.
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