plate no. 0140

Lake Wakatipu with Mount Earnslaw, Middle Island, New Zealand

oilRomanticismlandscapemountainslaketreesboatskyreflection

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in atmospheric perspective and color mixing to create realistic landscapes. Students will also learn to paint convincing reflections in water.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 12 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Sketch the basic shapes of the mountains, lake, and shoreline, paying attention to proportions.
step 02
Establish the horizon line and the overall composition.
step 03
Block in the sky with a light blue, blending it smoothly.
step 04
Paint the distant mountains with muted blues and grays to create atmospheric perspective.
step 05
Add the mid-ground mountains and hills, using warmer browns and greens.
step 06
Paint the lake with varying shades of blue and green, reflecting the colors of the sky and mountains.
step 07
Add details to the shoreline, including trees, rocks, and vegetation.
step 08
Paint the boat and figures, and add final highlights and shadows to the mountains and water.

color palette

primary · ultramarine blue · burnt umber · titanium white

secondary · yellow ochre · sap green · raw sienna

Mix blues and whites for the sky and water, adding small amounts of green or brown to create subtle variations. Use burnt umber and white for the mountains, adding touches of yellow ochre for warmth.

techniques