plate no. 4406
Morning by the Stream
T. C. Steele, 1893
some experience helpful
Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in layering colors to create depth and texture, and in capturing the subtle reflections in water. It also provides practice in depicting atmospheric perspective and creating a sense of mood.
technical profile
palette complexity
4
brushwork visibility
4
value contrast
3
compositional simplicity
3
study guide
est. 12 hrsapproach — 8 steps
- step 01
Sketch the basic composition, including the tree, figure, stream, and distant hills.
- step 02
Establish the main color blocks for the sky, hills, water, and foreground foliage.
- step 03
Begin layering colors in the sky and hills to create atmospheric perspective.
- step 04
Develop the foliage with short, broken brushstrokes, using a variety of warm colors.
- step 05
Paint the water, capturing the reflections and movement with horizontal strokes.
- step 06
Add details to the tree trunk and branches, using darker values to create form.
- step 07
Refine the figure, paying attention to the subtle variations in light and shadow.
- step 08
Add final highlights and details to the foliage and water to enhance the overall effect.
color palette
primary · yellow ochre · burnt umber · ultramarine blue · titanium white
secondary · cadmium yellow · alizarin crimson · viridian
Mix greens by combining yellow ochre and ultramarine blue, and adjust the warmth with cadmium yellow. Achieve atmospheric perspective by lightening and muting colors with white as they recede into the distance.
techniques
- ·broken color
- ·wet-on-wet blending
- ·scumbling
- ·atmospheric perspective
- ·alla prima
common pitfalls
- →Overblending colors, resulting in a muddy appearance.
- →Neglecting the importance of value contrast.
- →Failing to capture the subtle reflections in the water.
- →Making the foliage too uniform and lacking in variety.
materials
surface · stretched canvas
required
- ·stretched canvas
- ·oil paints
- ·palette
- ·assorted brushes (round and flat)
- ·linseed oil
- ·turpentine or odorless mineral spirits
- ·palette knife
optional
- ·painting medium
- ·varnish
- ·easel
Use a medium-grit canvas to allow for texture. Consider using a limited palette to simplify the color mixing process.
tips & new artworks in your inbox
no spam — unsubscribe anytime.
or to save artworks, chat, and track progress
related guides
in this vein
