plate no. 3558

By the river

oilImpressionismgenre paintingriverfigurestreesskylandscape

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in loose brushwork and capturing the essence of a scene rather than precise details. It's a good exercise in simplifying complex subjects and focusing on color relationships.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 8 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Lightly sketch the basic composition, indicating the horizon line, riverbank, and placement of figures.
step 02
Block in the large areas of color: sky, water, trees, and ground, using thin washes.
step 03
Establish the basic values (light and dark) in each area.
step 04
Begin adding details to the figures, focusing on their shapes and colors rather than precise features.
step 05
Develop the background elements, using loose brushstrokes to suggest trees and foliage.
step 06
Add reflections in the water, paying attention to color and value.
step 07
Refine the foreground details, adding texture and interest with varied brushstrokes.
step 08
Add final highlights and shadows to create depth and dimension.

color palette

primary · ultramarine blue · yellow ochre · titanium white

secondary · burnt sienna · sap green

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

techniques