plate no. 6198

Barges on the Loing, Morning Effect

Francis Picabia, 1904

oil, canvasImpressionismlandscapetreeswaterskyboatsfigurelandscape

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in impressionistic brushwork and color mixing to create atmospheric perspective. It also provides practice in capturing the texture of foliage and water with short, broken strokes.

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 placement of the trees, water, and horizon line.
step 02
Block in the sky with light blues and whites, using loose, horizontal strokes.
step 03
Establish the main color masses for the trees, using purples, pinks, and browns.
step 04
Paint the water with varying shades of blue and green, reflecting the sky and surrounding foliage.
step 05
Add the path and foreground details, using warm browns and greens.
step 06
Refine the details of the trees, adding individual branches and leaves with short, broken strokes.
step 07
Add the figures and boats, paying attention to their scale and placement within the scene.
step 08
Adjust the overall color balance and add final highlights and shadows to create depth and atmosphere.

color palette

primary · ultramarine blue · titanium white · alizarin crimson · yellow ochre

secondary · viridian green · burnt umber · cadmium yellow

Mix purples by combining alizarin crimson and ultramarine blue. Create variations in the greens by mixing yellow ochre and viridian green. Use white to lighten colors and create atmospheric perspective.

techniques