plate no. 2380

Golden Autumn, Laurentians

Clarence Gagnon, 1921

oilImpressionismlandscapetreeslandscapemountainsautumnforestsky

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in layering colors to create depth and atmosphere, as well as simplifying complex natural forms into expressive brushstrokes. It also provides practice in creating a sense of light and shadow through color temperature and value.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 8 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Sketch the basic shapes of the mountains, trees, and foreground.
step 02
Block in the sky with light yellow and orange hues.
step 03
Establish the mountain range with layers of yellow, orange, and hints of red.
step 04
Define the dark blue/purple area representing the shadowed forest.
step 05
Paint the trees, focusing on their verticality and the negative space between them.
step 06
Add details to the foreground with reds, greens, and browns, suggesting foliage.
step 07
Refine the birch tree in the foreground, adding its characteristic markings.
step 08
Add final touches to enhance the overall atmosphere and depth.

color palette

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

secondary · cadmium orange · alizarin crimson · sap green

Mix various shades of orange and yellow for the sky and mountains. Use ultramarine blue mixed with crimson or burnt umber for the darker areas. Add white to lighten colors and create subtle variations.

techniques