plate no. 1027

Landscape by the Water

Maxime Maufra, 1900

oil, canvasPost-Impressionismlandscapelandscapewatertreespathskyfigure

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in color mixing for atmospheric perspective and layering brushstrokes to create texture and depth. It will also help with understanding composition and creating a focal point.

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 path, horizon line, and placement of trees.
step 02
Block in the sky with blended pink and orange hues, creating a soft gradient.
step 03
Establish the water with varying shades of blue, reflecting the sky's colors.
step 04
Paint the distant landmass with muted greens and blues to create depth.
step 05
Add the trees, starting with the darker masses and layering lighter colors for foliage.
step 06
Define the path with pinks, browns, and purples, paying attention to light and shadow.
step 07
Add details to the foreground, such as grass and foliage, using textured brushstrokes.
step 08
Include the figure and the sailboat as small details to enhance the scene.

color palette

primary · ultramarine blue · alizarin crimson · yellow ochre

secondary · viridian green · burnt umber · titanium white

Mix blues and whites for the water, pinks and oranges for the sky, and greens and browns for the foliage. Use glazes to create depth and subtle color variations.

techniques