plate no. 7492

Follow the Stream (right wing)

Jacek Malczewski, 1910

oil, canvasSymbolismlandscapelandscapetreesfigurehillflowerssky

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in layering colors to create depth and atmosphere, as well as capturing the delicate details of foliage and figures within a landscape.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 12 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Sketch the basic composition, including the horizon line, the hill, trees, and figure.
step 02
Block in the large areas of color: sky, distant fields, hill, and tree masses.
step 03
Add details to the trees, focusing on the shapes of the leaves and branches.
step 04
Paint the figure, paying attention to the folds of the dress and the position of the flute.
step 05
Refine the colors and values, adding highlights and shadows to create depth.
step 06
Add the small red flowers, using a small brush to create texture.
step 07
Soften edges and blend colors to create a hazy, atmospheric effect.
step 08
Add final details and highlights.

color palette

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

secondary · cadmium red · sap green · raw umber

Mix burnt sienna and yellow ochre for the hill, adding white for highlights. Use ultramarine blue and white for the sky, and mix greens with blue, yellow, and brown. Add cadmium red for the flowers.

techniques