plate no. 8665
Au Wihlering II
Gazmend Freitag, 2021
some experience helpful
Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in layering colors to create depth and capturing reflections in water. It also provides practice in using brushstrokes to suggest texture and form.
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, indicating the horizon line, main tree trunks, and the water's edge.
- step 02
Block in the large areas of color: the sky, the foliage, the water, and the tree trunks, using thinned paint.
- step 03
Begin layering different shades of green and yellow to create the foliage, using short, broken brushstrokes.
- step 04
Add darker values to the shadows under the trees and within the foliage to create depth.
- step 05
Paint the reflections in the water, using vertical strokes and slightly blurred versions of the colors above.
- step 06
Add details to the tree trunks, including texture and variations in color.
- step 07
Refine the edges of the foliage and reflections to create a sense of realism.
- step 08
Add final highlights to the foliage and water to create sparkle and light.
color palette
primary · sap green · yellow ochre · titanium white
secondary · burnt umber · ultramarine blue · cadmium yellow
Mix different shades of green by combining sap green, yellow ochre, and ultramarine blue. Use titanium white to lighten colors and create highlights. Burnt umber can be added to darken greens and create shadows.
techniques
- ·broken color
- ·wet-on-wet blending
- ·scumbling
- ·layering
- ·alla prima
common pitfalls
- →Overblending the colors, resulting in a muddy appearance.
- →Making the reflections too sharp and defined, rather than slightly blurred.
- →Ignoring the variations in color and value within the foliage.
- →Not establishing a clear light source.
materials
surface · stretched canvas
required
- ·stretched canvas (16x20 inches)
- ·oil paints (sap green, yellow ochre, titanium white, burnt umber, ultramarine blue)
- ·linseed oil or other painting medium
- ·palette
- ·assorted brushes (round and flat)
- ·palette knife
- ·artist grade odorless mineral spirits
- ·rags
optional
- ·medium gloss
- ·easel
- ·painting apron
Use artist-grade oil paints for best results. Pre-toned canvas with a thin wash of burnt umber can help establish depth.
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