plate no. 2764

November Mist

Willard Metcalf, 1922

oilImpressionismlandscapelandscaperivertreeshillshousesautumn

some experience helpful

This painting provides practice in capturing atmospheric perspective and using broken color to create texture. Students can learn to simplify complex scenes by focusing on broad shapes and color relationships.

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 horizon line, hill, and river placement.
step 02
Block in the sky with a light blue wash, allowing some variation in tone.
step 03
Establish the main color masses for the hill, trees, and foreground using simplified shapes.
step 04
Begin layering colors within each area, using broken brushstrokes to suggest texture and form.
step 05
Pay attention to the color temperature changes as the landscape recedes into the distance.
step 06
Add details to the houses and trees, keeping them loose and impressionistic.
step 07
Refine the river with varying blues and reflections.
step 08
Add final highlights and shadows to enhance depth and dimension.

color palette

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

secondary · sap green · cadmium orange · raw umber

Mix greens by blending yellow ochre and ultramarine blue. Create earth tones by combining burnt sienna, raw umber, and white. Achieve atmospheric perspective by lightening and cooling colors as they recede.

techniques