plate no. 3276

Closing Autumn

Willard Metcalf, 1924

oilImpressionismlandscapetreeslandscapewaterautumnfoliagemountain

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in layering colors to create depth and texture, as well as capturing the subtle variations in light and shadow within a landscape. It also provides practice in rendering foliage and tree structures with expressive 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 placement of the trees, water, and distant mountain.
step 02
Block in the large areas of color, such as the sky, water, field, and mountain, using thin washes.
step 03
Begin layering colors to define the shapes of the trees and foliage, working from dark to light.
step 04
Add details to the trees, such as branches and leaves, using a variety of brushstrokes.
step 05
Develop the texture of the field and mountain with broken color and short, choppy strokes.
step 06
Refine the reflections in the water, paying attention to the colors and values of the surrounding landscape.
step 07
Add highlights and shadows to create a sense of depth and dimension.
step 08
Step back and assess the painting, making any necessary adjustments to the composition, color, or value.

color palette

primary · ultramarine blue · yellow ochre · burnt sienna · titanium white

secondary · viridian green · cadmium orange · raw umber

Mix greens by combining blue and yellow, and create various shades of brown by mixing burnt sienna, yellow ochre, and ultramarine blue. Use white to lighten colors and create highlights.

techniques