plate no. 8932

Montreal River

J. E. H. MacDonald, 1920

oilPost-Impressionismlandscaperivertreesrocksforestwaterlandscape

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in layering colors to create depth and texture, and in using brushstrokes to suggest movement and form. It also provides practice in simplifying complex natural scenes into manageable shapes and color blocks.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 12 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Sketch the basic composition, focusing on the placement of the river, trees, and rock formations.
step 02
Establish the overall color scheme by blocking in large areas of color, starting with the sky and distant trees.
step 03
Layer in the darker values for the trees and rocks, creating depth and contrast.
step 04
Add details to the river, using short, broken brushstrokes to suggest the movement of the water.
step 05
Refine the colors and values, paying attention to the subtle variations in light and shadow.
step 06
Add highlights to the rocks and water to create a sense of realism.
step 07
Review the painting and make any necessary adjustments to the composition, color, or value.
step 08
Add final details and texture with dry brush strokes.

color palette

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

secondary · cadmium red · viridian green · ivory black

Mix ultramarine blue and burnt sienna for the darker tree tones. Use yellow ochre and white to create the lighter tones in the trees and rocks. Add small amounts of cadmium red to the burnt sienna for warmer rock colors.

techniques