plate no. 1723

Landscape from Arges Valley

Henri Catargi, 1967

oilImpressionismlandscapelandscaperivertreesskymountainsbuilding

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students practice layering colors to create depth and texture, as well as simplifying complex scenes into basic shapes and values. It also provides an opportunity to study atmospheric perspective and color temperature changes.

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 placement of the river, mountains, and trees.
step 02
Block in the sky with light blue, adding hints of yellow and white for the clouds.
step 03
Establish the distant mountains with a muted blue-gray tone.
step 04
Paint the river using a mix of gray, blue, and white, varying the tones to suggest depth and movement.
step 05
Add the trees and foliage, using greens, browns, and yellows, with visible brushstrokes.
step 06
Develop the foreground with darker tones and textures, focusing on the rocks and vegetation.
step 07
Add details like the small building and the blue flowers.
step 08
Refine the painting by adjusting values and colors, and adding highlights.

color palette

primary · ultramarine blue · yellow ochre · titanium white · burnt umber

secondary · sap green · cadmium yellow · raw sienna

Mix blue and white for the sky, adding yellow for highlights. Use umber and sienna for earth tones, and mix greens from blue and yellow. Vary the blue with white to create atmospheric perspective.

techniques