plate no. 9211

Autumn-Mists

John Henry Twachtman, 1902

oil, canvasImpressionismlandscapelaketreeslandscapereflectionhillfoliage

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in layering colors to create depth and atmosphere, as well as capturing reflections in water using broken 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, indicating the horizon line, the shape of the hill, and the placement of the trees.
step 02
Apply a thin wash of diluted burnt umber or raw sienna to tone the canvas.
step 03
Block in the large areas of color: the sky, the hill, the water, and the foreground.
step 04
Begin layering colors to create the texture of the foliage and the reflections in the water.
step 05
Use short, broken brushstrokes to suggest the movement of light and shadow.
step 06
Add details to the trees and foreground, using a smaller brush.
step 07
Refine the colors and values, paying attention to the overall harmony of the painting.
step 08
Add final highlights and details to complete the painting.

color palette

primary · viridian green · ultramarine blue · burnt sienna · yellow ochre

secondary · titanium white · raw umber · cadmium yellow light

Mix greens by combining blues and yellows, and create muted tones by adding small amounts of complementary colors. Use white to lighten values and create atmospheric effects.

techniques