plate no. 4783
Arleux du Nord, the Drocourt Mill, on the Sensee
Camille Corot, 1871
some experience helpful
Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in atmospheric perspective and capturing the subtle variations in light and shadow within a muted color palette. It also provides practice in rendering reflections in water and creating a sense of depth.
technical profile
palette complexity
4
brushwork visibility
3
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 mill, trees, and water.
- step 02
Establish the sky with a thin wash of light blue and gray, blending the colors softly.
- step 03
Block in the large shapes of the trees and the mill with broad strokes, using darker values for shadows.
- step 04
Begin to define the details of the mill, paying attention to the architectural elements and the play of light on the surfaces.
- step 05
Add the reflections in the water, using similar colors to the objects above, but with softer edges and slightly darker values.
- step 06
Refine the foliage of the trees, using a variety of greens, browns, and yellows to create texture and depth.
- step 07
Add the figures in the foreground, keeping them simple and understated.
- step 08
Make final adjustments to the values and colors to create a sense of atmosphere and unity.
color palette
primary · raw umber · titanium white · yellow ochre
secondary · cerulean blue · burnt sienna
Achieve the muted tones by mixing complementary colors and adding white to soften the intensity. Use a limited palette to create harmony.
techniques
- ·scumbling
- ·glazing
- ·atmospheric perspective
- ·broken color
- ·alla prima
common pitfalls
- →Overworking the details and losing the overall sense of atmosphere.
- →Using colors that are too bright or saturated.
- →Failing to create a convincing sense of depth in the landscape.
- →Making the reflections too literal and not softening the edges.
materials
surface · stretched canvas
required
- ·stretched canvas
- ·raw umber oil paint
- ·titanium white oil paint
- ·yellow ochre oil paint
- ·cerulean blue oil paint
- ·burnt sienna oil paint
- ·#4 round brush
- ·#8 flat brush
optional
- ·palette knife
- ·linseed oil
- ·odorless mineral spirits
Use a canvas with a smooth or slightly textured surface. Consider using a toned canvas to help establish the overall color harmony.
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