plate no. 2975

New Mills, Norfolk: Men Wading

oilRomanticismlandscaperiverbuildingstreesskyfigureslandscape

some experience helpful

This painting offers practice in creating atmospheric perspective and rendering reflections in water. Students will also learn to simplify complex forms into basic shapes and values.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 8 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Lightly sketch the main shapes: the buildings, trees, and riverbank.
step 02
Block in the sky with a thin wash of muted grays and yellows, suggesting the cloud formations.
step 03
Establish the basic values of the buildings and trees, using darker tones for shadows and lighter tones for highlights.
step 04
Paint the river, paying attention to the reflections of the buildings and trees.
step 05
Add details to the buildings, such as windows and brickwork, using small brushstrokes.
step 06
Refine the foliage of the trees, using a variety of greens and browns.
step 07
Add the figures in the foreground, paying attention to their proportions and placement.
step 08
Make final adjustments to the values and colors to create a sense of depth and atmosphere.

color palette

primary · raw umber · titanium white · yellow ochre

secondary · Prussian blue · burnt sienna

Mix muted greens by combining yellow ochre, Prussian blue, and a touch of burnt sienna. Achieve atmospheric perspective by lightening and cooling colors as they recede into the distance.

techniques