plate no. 6332

Autumn

Sergiy Grigoriev, 1985

oil, canvasImpressionismlandscapelaketreesskycloudslandscapereflection

some experience helpful

This painting provides practice in layering colors to create depth and capturing reflections in water. Students will also learn to simplify complex forms like trees using impressionistic brushstrokes.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 8 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Sketch the basic composition, focusing on the horizon line and placement of major elements like trees and the lake.
step 02
Block in the sky with light blues and whites, creating a sense of atmospheric perspective.
step 03
Establish the base colors for the water, using greens and blues, and indicate the general areas of reflection.
step 04
Paint the distant trees and foliage with muted greens and blues to create depth.
step 05
Add the main trees, focusing on their shapes and the interplay of light and shadow, using oranges, yellows, and greens.
step 06
Develop the reflections in the water, mirroring the colors and shapes of the trees and sky, but with softened edges.
step 07
Add details to the foreground, such as grasses and bushes, using short, broken brushstrokes.
step 08
Refine the overall painting, adjusting colors and values as needed to create a cohesive and harmonious image.

color palette

primary · cerulean blue · yellow ochre · raw umber · titanium white

secondary · cadmium orange · sap green · ultramarine blue

Mix greens by combining yellow ochre and ultramarine blue. Achieve muted tones by adding raw umber to colors. Create the sky by mixing cerulean blue and titanium white, adding a touch of yellow ochre for warmth.

techniques

·broken color
·wet-on-wet blending
·scumbling
·layering
·alla prima

common pitfalls

→Overworking the painting and losing the freshness of the brushstrokes.
→Creating reflections that are too literal and lack the softness of real reflections.
→Failing to establish a clear focal point.
→Using colors that are too saturated and lack subtlety.