plate no. 4581

Jardin du Luxembourg

oilImpressionismlandscapetreeswaterlandscapeskycityscapereflection

some experience helpful

This painting offers practice in layering colors to create depth and texture in foliage and water reflections. Students can learn to simplify complex scenes into basic shapes and values.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 8 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Sketch the basic composition, focusing on the horizon line and major shapes of the trees and water.
step 02
Block in the sky with a thin wash of light blue and white.
step 03
Establish the dark masses of the trees with a mix of browns and greens.
step 04
Add the lighter greens and yellows to the foliage, creating highlights and variations.
step 05
Paint the water with horizontal strokes, reflecting the colors of the sky and trees.
step 06
Add details to the shoreline and the small structure.
step 07
Refine the reflections in the water, paying attention to the distortion and blurring.
step 08
Add final highlights and details to the trees and water.

color palette

primary · burnt umber · titanium white · sap green

secondary · yellow ochre · ultramarine blue · cadmium yellow

Mix browns by combining burnt umber with small amounts of blue or yellow. Achieve greens by mixing sap green with varying amounts of yellow and white.

techniques