plate no. 4702

Norwich River: Afternoon

oil, canvasRomanticismlandscaperiverbuildingstreesboatfiguressky

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will develop skills in atmospheric perspective and rendering reflections in water. Students will also practice creating depth through layering and color variation.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 15 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Sketch the basic composition, focusing on the placement of the buildings, trees, and river.
step 02
Establish the sky with a light blue wash, blending slightly darker tones near the horizon.
step 03
Block in the large shapes of the buildings and trees using simplified color masses.
step 04
Begin layering details on the buildings, focusing on the variations in color and texture of the roofs and walls.
step 05
Add the reflections in the water, paying attention to the distortion and color variations.
step 06
Paint the trees, using a variety of greens and browns to create depth and texture.
step 07
Add the figures in the boat and the details of the surrounding foliage.
step 08
Refine the details and adjust the values to create a sense of atmosphere and depth.

color palette

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

secondary · burnt sienna · ivory black · cadmium yellow light

Mix various shades of green by combining yellow ochre, ultramarine blue and raw umber. Use white to lighten colors and create atmospheric effects. Create the reflections by mixing the colors of the objects with a touch of blue and white.

techniques