plate no. 5954

Autumn Roadside

Willard Metcalf, 1918

oilImpressionismlandscapelandscaperivertreespathflowerssky

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in layering colors to create depth and texture, as well as capturing the impressionistic style of broken color and visible brushstrokes. It also provides practice in depicting atmospheric perspective and creating a sense of distance.

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 horizon line, river, path, and major landforms.
step 02
Block in the sky with light blue, adding subtle variations in tone.
step 03
Establish the main color masses for the distant hills, river, and foreground vegetation.
step 04
Begin layering colors in the foreground, using short, broken brushstrokes to create texture and detail.
step 05
Develop the path with varying shades of beige and gray, suggesting light and shadow.
step 06
Add details to the trees and bushes, using a variety of greens, yellows, and browns.
step 07
Paint the flowers with small dabs of color, capturing their varied hues.
step 08
Refine the overall composition, adjusting colors and values as needed to create a sense of depth and atmosphere.

color palette

primary · cerulean blue · yellow ochre · sap green · titanium white

secondary · burnt sienna · alizarin crimson · ultramarine blue

Mix greens by combining yellow ochre and ultramarine blue. Create muted tones by adding a touch of complementary color. Achieve the sky's subtle variations by mixing cerulean blue with white and a hint of yellow.

techniques