plate no. 1283

Burring Brook

oilImpressionismlandscapetreeswaterfallriverfoliagebridgelandscape

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in layering colors to create depth and texture, as well as capturing the movement of water with expressive brushstrokes. Students will also learn to simplify 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
Sketch the basic composition, focusing on the placement of the waterfall, bridge, and surrounding foliage.
step 02
Establish the background sky and water with thin washes of color.
step 03
Block in the dark values of the trees and foliage using a mix of greens and browns.
step 04
Begin layering lighter values on the foliage to create depth and form.
step 05
Use short, broken brushstrokes to depict the movement of the water, varying the color from dark blues and greens to bright whites.
step 06
Add details to the bridge and figures, keeping them loose and impressionistic.
step 07
Refine the highlights and shadows to enhance the overall sense of light and atmosphere.
step 08
Add final touches and adjust values as needed.

color palette

primary · viridian green · ultramarine blue · burnt umber · titanium white

secondary · yellow ochre · cadmium yellow · alizarin crimson

Mix greens by combining blues and yellows with varying amounts of white and brown to achieve different shades. Use white to lighten blues and create the foamy water effect.

techniques