plate no. 3574
Layton's Lake, Algoma
J. E. H. MacDonald, 1919
some experience helpful
Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in layering colors to create depth and texture, as well as simplifying complex scenes into basic shapes and values. It also provides practice in capturing reflections in water.
technical profile
palette complexity
3
brushwork visibility
4
value contrast
3
compositional simplicity
4
study guide
est. 8 hrsapproach — 8 steps
- step 01
Sketch the basic composition, dividing the canvas into sky, land, and water.
- step 02
Block in the sky with light pastel colors, blending gently.
- step 03
Establish the mountain shape with a base layer of reddish-brown.
- step 04
Add the dark green mass of the forest, using vertical strokes.
- step 05
Paint the water with horizontal strokes, reflecting the colors above.
- step 06
Add the vertical trees in the middle ground, varying their height and color.
- step 07
Introduce highlights and shadows to the trees and mountain to create depth.
- step 08
Refine reflections in the water, mirroring the shapes and colors above.
color palette
primary · titanium white · viridian green · burnt umber · alizarin crimson
secondary · yellow ochre · ultramarine blue
Mix greens by combining viridian green and yellow ochre. Create the mountain color by mixing alizarin crimson and burnt umber, with a touch of white to lighten. Achieve the sky color by mixing white with a hint of alizarin crimson and ultramarine blue.
techniques
- ·dry brush texture
- ·wet-on-wet blending
- ·scumbling
- ·broken color
common pitfalls
- →Overworking the details, losing the simplicity of the scene.
- →Making the reflections too perfect or symmetrical.
- →Using colors that are too saturated, resulting in an unnatural look.
- →Not varying the brushstrokes enough to create texture.
materials
surface · stretched canvas
required
- ·stretched canvas
- ·titanium white oil paint
- ·viridian green oil paint
- ·burnt umber oil paint
- ·alizarin crimson oil paint
- ·yellow ochre oil paint
- ·ultramarine blue oil paint
- ·assorted brushes (flat and round)
optional
- ·palette knife
- ·linseed oil
- ·odorless mineral spirits
Use a medium-grit canvas for better texture. Consider using a limited palette to simplify color mixing.
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