plate no. 9887

Autumn on Korana river en plein-air (LOW RES.PHOTO)

Alfred Freddy Krupa, 1997

watercolorPost-Impressionismlandscapetreeswaterlandscaperiverskyfoliage

some experience helpful

This painting helps develop skills in watercolor washes and layering, as well as creating depth through atmospheric perspective. Students will learn to simplify complex scenes into basic shapes and values.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 4 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Lightly sketch the basic shapes: the tree, the riverbank, and the distant trees.
step 02
Apply a light wash of diluted yellow ochre and light blue for the sky and distant areas.
step 03
Paint the water with a diluted blue-violet wash, allowing it to blend and create soft reflections.
step 04
Add the tree trunk and branches using a mix of burnt umber and a touch of blue, varying the intensity for depth.
step 05
Layer in the foliage with a mix of greens, yellows, and browns, using a stippling technique for texture.
step 06
Define the riverbank with a darker green and brown mix, adding subtle shadows.
step 07
Add final details such as small reflections in the water and highlights on the foliage.
step 08
Allow to dry completely.

color palette

primary · ultramarine blue · yellow ochre · burnt umber

secondary · sap green · raw sienna

Mix ultramarine blue and burnt umber for the tree trunk and shadows. Use yellow ochre and sap green for the foliage. Dilute colors significantly for washes.

techniques