plate no. 2389

Lake near Breccles in Autumn

oilImpressionismlandscapelaketreesskycloudsreflectionlandscape

some experience helpful

This painting is great for learning how to capture reflections in water and how to create depth using color and brushstrokes. It also provides practice in creating a sense of atmosphere through loose, impressionistic techniques.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 12 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
Establish the sky with light blues and yellows, blending softly.
step 03
Block in the distant trees with greens and browns, using darker values at the base.
step 04
Paint the water with horizontal strokes, capturing the reflections of the sky and trees.
step 05
Add details to the foreground trees, using darker greens and browns with visible brushstrokes.
step 06
Refine the reflections in the water, paying attention to the distortion and color variations.
step 07
Add highlights to the trees and water to create a sense of light and depth.
step 08
Review and adjust the colors and values to achieve a harmonious and balanced composition.

color palette

primary · ultramarine blue · yellow ochre · burnt umber · sap green

secondary · titanium white · cadmium yellow · alizarin crimson

Mix greens by combining yellow ochre and ultramarine blue. Achieve the water's reflective quality by blending blues, yellows, and browns with white. Use burnt umber and ultramarine for dark tones.

techniques