plate no. 6728

Bridge over the Allier

Roger Fry, 1933

oilPost-Impressionismlandscapebridgerivertreeslandscapereflectionfoliage

some experience helpful

This painting offers a good opportunity to practice capturing reflections in water and creating depth through atmospheric perspective. Students can also learn to simplify complex foliage into manageable shapes and textures.

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 bridge, river, and major tree masses.
step 02
Establish the sky and distant mountains with thin washes of color.
step 03
Block in the main colors of the bridge, river, and foliage, paying attention to value relationships.
step 04
Begin to develop the reflections in the water, using slightly darker and less saturated versions of the colors above.
step 05
Add details to the trees and foliage, using broken brushstrokes to create texture.
step 06
Refine the foreground details, such as the rocks and vegetation along the riverbank.
step 07
Adjust the overall color harmony and value contrast to create a sense of depth and atmosphere.
step 08
Add final highlights and details to complete the painting.

color palette

primary · yellow ochre · ultramarine blue · burnt umber

secondary · sap green · titanium white

Mix greens by combining ultramarine blue and yellow ochre. Use white to lighten values and create atmospheric haze. Burnt umber can be used to darken colors and create shadows.

techniques