plate no. 4940

Bord de Marne à Lagny

oilPost-Impressionismlandscapetreesriverlandscapebuildingsskyvegetation

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in layering brushstrokes to create texture and mixing subtle color variations to depict natural forms. It also provides practice in simplifying complex scenes into basic shapes and values.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 8 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Lightly sketch the main shapes: the horizon line, the large trees, the building, and the riverbank.
step 02
Block in the sky with light gray and pink hues, using horizontal brushstrokes.
step 03
Establish the dark masses of the trees with a mix of dark green and brown, varying the tones slightly.
step 04
Paint the building with a light gray base and add the red roof, paying attention to the perspective.
step 05
Block in the riverbank with various shades of green, brown, and yellow, using short, directional brushstrokes.
step 06
Add details to the river with horizontal strokes of gray, blue, and white, reflecting the sky.
step 07
Introduce small details like the boat and the distant trees to add depth.
step 08
Refine the overall composition by adjusting values and adding highlights where needed.

color palette

primary · viridian green · titanium white · cadmium red · yellow ochre

secondary · ultramarine blue · burnt umber · raw sienna

Mix greens by combining viridian green with yellow ochre or ultramarine blue. Achieve the sky colors by mixing titanium white with small amounts of cadmium red and ultramarine blue. Use burnt umber and raw sienna to create earthy tones for the riverbank and trees.

techniques