plate no. 6682

Lower Ausable Lake, Adirondacks

watercolor, paperExpressionismlandscapelakemountainswatertreeslandscapesky

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in simplifying complex scenes into basic shapes and using color to create depth and reflections. It also encourages experimentation with loose, expressive brushstrokes.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 6 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Lightly sketch the basic shapes of the mountains, water, and horizon line.
step 02
Apply a thin wash of yellow to the sky and the foreground water areas.
step 03
Paint the distant mountain with a solid layer of blue.
step 04
Use a mix of brown and purple to block in the shapes of the trees on either side, leaving some white space.
step 05
Add darker values to the trees to create depth and texture using short, choppy brushstrokes.
step 06
Paint the water reflections using horizontal strokes of blue, brown, and purple, mirroring the shapes above.
step 07
Add final details and highlights to the water and trees to enhance the sense of light and reflection.
step 08
Allow to dry completely.

color palette

primary · yellow ochre · ultramarine blue · burnt umber

secondary · purple · white

Mix ultramarine blue and burnt umber to achieve the dark browns and purples for the trees and reflections. Dilute yellow ochre for the sky and lighter water areas.

techniques