plate no. 1159

Forest Edge

oilImpressionismlandscapetreeswaterlandscapeskyfigurereflection

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in layering colors to create depth and capturing reflections in water. It also provides practice in depicting foliage with loose, expressive brushstrokes.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 10 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Sketch the basic composition, focusing on the placement of the trees and the waterline.
step 02
Block in the sky with light blue and white, using horizontal brushstrokes to suggest clouds.
step 03
Establish the general color of the water, using blues, purples, and browns, and indicate the reflections.
step 04
Paint the trees, starting with the trunks and branches using browns and reds, then add the foliage with greens and yellows.
step 05
Develop the foreground with a mix of greens, yellows, and browns, creating a sense of depth and texture.
step 06
Add the figure in the background, keeping it simple and using muted colors.
step 07
Refine the details, such as the highlights on the water and the texture of the foliage.
step 08
Add final touches to the sky and reflections to balance the composition.

color palette

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

secondary · alizarin crimson · sap green · violet

Mix greens by combining yellow ochre and ultramarine blue. Create various shades of brown by mixing burnt umber with small amounts of blue, red, or yellow. Use white to lighten colors and create highlights.

techniques