plate no. 8577

By the Brook

oilImpressionismlandscapetreeswaterlandscapefoliagestreamreflection

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in impressionistic brushwork and capturing the subtle variations of light and color in a natural setting. Students will also learn how to create depth and atmosphere using color and value.

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 placement of the trees and the flow of the stream.
step 02
Establish the overall color scheme by applying thin washes of color to the canvas.
step 03
Begin building up layers of paint, using short, broken brushstrokes to create texture and detail.
step 04
Focus on capturing the light and shadow patterns on the trees, foliage, and water.
step 05
Mix and apply a variety of greens, yellows, and browns to represent the foliage.
step 06
Use lighter values to represent the highlights on the water and the sky.
step 07
Add details such as branches, leaves, and rocks to enhance the realism of the painting.
step 08
Refine the painting by adjusting the colors, values, and textures as needed.

color palette

primary · sap green · yellow ochre · raw umber · titanium white

secondary · ultramarine blue · burnt sienna

Mix greens by combining yellow ochre and ultramarine blue. Use white to lighten colors and create highlights. Burnt sienna can be used to create warm shadows and earthy tones.

techniques