plate no. 0060
High Bridge - Early Moon
Ernest Lawson, 1910
some experience helpful
Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in layering colors to create depth and texture, as well as capturing the atmospheric perspective of a landscape. It also provides practice in depicting complex subjects with loose, expressive brushstrokes.
technical profile
palette complexity
4
brushwork visibility
5
value contrast
3
compositional simplicity
3
study guide
est. 12 hrsapproach — 8 steps
- step 01
Sketch the basic composition, focusing on the placement of the bridge, river, and trees.
- step 02
Establish the sky with a thin wash of pale yellow and pink.
- step 03
Block in the general colors of the background cityscape, using a variety of greens, yellows, and browns.
- step 04
Paint the river with horizontal strokes, reflecting the colors of the sky and background.
- step 05
Add the bridge, using a mix of warm and cool grays, and suggest the arches with darker values.
- step 06
Paint the foreground trees with dark browns and blacks, adding details to the branches.
- step 07
Add highlights and shadows to the trees and foliage to create depth.
- step 08
Refine the details of the boat and the overall composition, paying attention to the balance of colors and values.
color palette
primary · yellow ochre · sap green · burnt umber · titanium white
secondary · cadmium red · ultramarine blue · raw sienna
Mix greens by combining yellow ochre and ultramarine blue. Create muted tones by adding burnt umber to other colors. Use white to lighten colors and create highlights.
techniques
- ·broken color
- ·scumbling
- ·dry brush
- ·layering
- ·alla prima
common pitfalls
- →Overworking the details and losing the loose, expressive quality of the original.
- →Creating muddy colors by overmixing.
- →Failing to establish a clear value structure.
- →Ignoring the atmospheric perspective and making the background too sharp.
materials
surface · stretched canvas
required
- ·stretched canvas 18x24
- ·oil paints (yellow ochre, sap green, burnt umber, titanium white, cadmium red, ultramarine blue, raw sienna)
- ·palette
- ·assorted brushes (round and flat)
- ·linseed oil
- ·turpentine or odorless mineral spirits
- ·palette knife
optional
- ·painting medium (e.g., Liquin)
- ·varnish
Use a medium-grit canvas for better texture. Consider using a limited palette to simplify color mixing.
tips & new artworks in your inbox
no spam — unsubscribe anytime.
or to save artworks, chat, and track progress
related guides
in this vein
