plate no. 1832

Clearing After Rain, Maganatawan River, Ontario

J. E. H. MacDonald, 1910

oilArt Nouveau (Modern)landscapetreeswaterfigurescanoelandscapereflection

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in layering colors to create depth and texture, as well as capturing reflections in water using broken brushstrokes.

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 horizon line and the placement of the trees, figures, and canoe.
step 02
Establish the dark values of the water and the distant trees using a dark green or brown.
step 03
Begin layering in the greens of the foliage, using a variety of shades and broken brushstrokes to create texture.
step 04
Add the reflections in the water, mimicking the colors and shapes of the trees and figures above.
step 05
Paint the figures in the canoe, paying attention to their relative size and placement.
step 06
Add highlights to the foliage and the figures to create a sense of light and depth.
step 07
Refine the details of the reflections, using small brushstrokes to create a sense of movement and distortion.
step 08
Add final touches and adjust values as needed to create a cohesive and atmospheric painting.

color palette

primary · viridian green · yellow ochre · burnt umber · titanium white

secondary · cadmium yellow · ultramarine blue · alizarin crimson

Mix greens by combining viridian green with yellow ochre or cadmium yellow. Use burnt umber and ultramarine blue to create dark, muted tones for the water and shadows. Add titanium white to lighten colors and create highlights.

techniques