plate no. 9430

Morning on the Bayou

oilImpressionismlandscapetreeswaterswampmoonfoliagereflection

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in layering colors to create depth and atmosphere, and in using brushstrokes to suggest texture and form rather than precise detail. It also provides practice in capturing reflections in water.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 8 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Sketch the basic composition, focusing on the placement of the trees and the horizon line.
step 02
Block in the large areas of color: the sky, water, and the dark masses of the trees and foliage.
step 03
Establish the light source (the moon) and begin to build up the highlights and shadows.
step 04
Add details to the trees, including the hanging moss and the reflections in the water.
step 05
Refine the foliage in the foreground, using a variety of greens and browns.
step 06
Soften edges and blend colors to create a sense of atmosphere.
step 07
Add final highlights to the moon and the reflections.
step 08
Review the painting and make any necessary adjustments.

color palette

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

secondary · alizarin crimson · sap green · payne's gray

Mix greens by combining ultramarine blue and yellow ochre, and use burnt umber and alizarin crimson for the darker tones of the trees. Add white to create lighter values and soften colors.

techniques