plate no. 4135

Flatland River

Wayne Thiebaud, 1997

oilExpressionismlandscaperivertreesfieldslandscapeskyagriculture

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in aerial perspective, color mixing for landscapes, and creating texture with visible brushstrokes. It also provides practice in simplifying complex scenes into geometric shapes.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 12 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Lightly sketch the basic shapes and composition, focusing on the river's path and the placement of major land areas.
step 02
Establish the horizon line and the general layout of the distant landscape.
step 03
Block in the large areas of color, starting with the sky and river, then the fields and trees.
step 04
Develop the color variations within each area, using layering and blending to create depth and form.
step 05
Add details to the trees, fields, and buildings, using thicker paint and visible brushstrokes.
step 06
Define the shadows and highlights to enhance the sense of depth and dimension.
step 07
Refine the edges and contours of the shapes, paying attention to the perspective.
step 08
Add final touches and details to complete the painting.

color palette

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

secondary · cadmium red · sap green · violet · raw umber

Mix greens by combining yellow ochre and ultramarine blue, adjust with white for lighter tones. Create muted purples by mixing cadmium red and ultramarine blue. Use white to create the pale tones of the river and sky.

techniques