plate no. 1137

Autumn, New Hampshire

oilRomanticismlandscapetreeswaterlandscaperiverrocksautumn

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in atmospheric perspective and creating depth through layering of values. It will also provide practice in rendering realistic water reflections and foliage.

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 placement of the river and major tree masses.
step 02
Establish the sky color with a thin wash of blue, allowing for subtle variations.
step 03
Block in the dark values of the trees and shadows, using a mix of browns and blacks.
step 04
Begin layering in the mid-tones of the foliage, using warmer colors like yellows and oranges.
step 05
Define the river's form by painting the reflections and highlights, paying attention to the flow of water.
step 06
Add details to the rocks and foreground, using dry brush techniques to create texture.
step 07
Refine the edges and details of the trees, adding branches and leaves.
step 08
Glaze over areas to adjust values and color temperature, creating a sense of atmosphere.

color palette

primary · burnt umber · yellow ochre · ultramarine blue

secondary · cadmium yellow · burnt sienna · titanium white

Mix browns by combining burnt umber and ultramarine blue. Achieve warm autumn colors by blending yellow ochre, cadmium yellow, and burnt sienna. Use white to lighten values and create atmospheric haze.

techniques