plate no. 2122

Large Tree near the Sea

Theo van Rysselberghe, 1919

oil, canvasPointillismlandscapetreesseaskycloudslandscapevegetation

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in color mixing, layering, and creating texture with visible brushstrokes. It also provides practice in depicting atmospheric perspective and creating a sense of depth.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 12 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Sketch the basic composition, including the tree, horizon line, and major landforms.
step 02
Block in the sky with light blue, adding hints of pink and gray for the clouds.
step 03
Establish the basic colors of the sea, using varying shades of blue and green.
step 04
Lay in the foundation colors for the land, focusing on the red and brown tones.
step 05
Begin adding details to the tree, using a variety of greens and browns to create depth and texture.
step 06
Develop the foreground vegetation, using short, broken brushstrokes to create a sense of movement.
step 07
Refine the clouds, adding highlights and shadows to create a three-dimensional effect.
step 08
Add final details and highlights to the entire painting, paying attention to the overall balance and harmony.

color palette

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

secondary · sap green · cadmium red light · raw umber

Achieve the cloud colors by mixing white with small amounts of blue, pink, and gray. Mix greens by combining blue and yellow, and vary the shades by adding brown or white.

techniques