plate no. 1770

Autumn

oil, canvasImpressionismlandscaperivertreesautumnlandscapereflectionfigures

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in depicting reflections in water and capturing the subtle color variations of autumn foliage. It also provides practice in creating depth and atmosphere through color and brushwork.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 12 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Sketch the basic composition, focusing on the river's perspective and the placement of trees.
step 02
Establish the sky and the overall color tone with a thin wash of diluted paint.
step 03
Block in the large shapes of the trees and foliage, using a range of warm browns, yellows, and greens.
step 04
Begin to define the reflections in the water, using horizontal brushstrokes and slightly desaturated colors.
step 05
Add details to the trees, such as branches and leaves, using smaller brushes and varied brushstrokes.
step 06
Introduce highlights and shadows to create depth and dimension in the foliage and reflections.
step 07
Paint the figures in the background with minimal detail.
step 08
Refine the overall composition and add final touches, such as small details in the foreground.

color palette

primary · yellow ochre · burnt umber · titanium white · Prussian blue

secondary · cadmium yellow · raw sienna · viridian

Mix various shades of brown and green by combining yellow ochre, burnt umber, and Prussian blue. Use titanium white to lighten colors and create highlights. Achieve the water reflections by desaturating the colors of the surrounding landscape and adding touches of blue and white.

techniques