plate no. 1203

Autumn Batchewana

Lawren Harris, 1918

oilArt Nouveau (Modern)landscaperockstreesforestautumnlandscapelake

some experience helpful

This painting offers practice in creating form with visible brushstrokes and understanding color temperature to depict light and shadow. Students can learn to simplify complex natural forms into abstract shapes.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 12 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Sketch the basic shapes of the rocks and background elements, focusing on composition.
step 02
Establish the main color blocks for the sky, distant hills, and foreground rocks.
step 03
Begin layering in darker values to define the shadows and crevices in the rocks.
step 04
Add highlights to the rocks using lighter blues and grays, following the direction of light.
step 05
Paint the trees and foliage, using short, broken brushstrokes to create texture.
step 06
Introduce warmer colors in the foliage to represent the autumn season.
step 07
Refine the details of the rocks and trees, adding small touches of color and texture.
step 08
Add final details and adjust values as needed to create depth and atmosphere.

color palette

primary · ultramarine blue · titanium white · yellow ochre

secondary · burnt sienna · cadmium red · viridian green

Mix blues and whites for the cool rock shadows. Use yellow ochre and burnt sienna for the warm autumn foliage. Combine blues and greens for the darker foliage.

techniques