plate no. 7373
On the Canal
Theodore Robinson, 1893
some experience helpful
Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in atmospheric perspective and broken color techniques. It also provides practice in simplifying complex scenes into basic shapes and values.
technical profile
palette complexity
3
brushwork visibility
4
value contrast
3
compositional simplicity
3
study guide
est. 8 hrsapproach — 8 steps
- step 01
Lightly sketch the basic composition, focusing on the horizon line and the main shapes of the canal, path, and buildings.
- step 02
Block in the sky with light blue and white, creating soft, fluffy clouds using short, broken brushstrokes.
- step 03
Establish the basic values of the landscape, using darker greens and browns for the trees and lighter tones for the path and canal banks.
- step 04
Add the water, reflecting the sky and surrounding landscape with horizontal brushstrokes.
- step 05
Paint the buildings and fences, paying attention to their perspective and simplified forms.
- step 06
Introduce variations in color and texture to the foliage, using dabs of green, yellow, and brown.
- step 07
Refine the details of the path and canal banks, adding small touches of color to suggest wildflowers and grasses.
- step 08
Add final highlights and shadows to create depth and dimension.
color palette
primary · ultramarine blue · titanium white · yellow ochre · burnt umber
secondary · sap green · cadmium yellow light · alizarin crimson
Mix greens by combining blue and yellow, and use white to lighten values. Create atmospheric perspective by adding blue to distant colors.
techniques
- ·broken color
- ·wet-on-wet blending
- ·atmospheric perspective
- ·scumbling
- ·alla prima
common pitfalls
- →Overworking the details and losing the impressionistic feel.
- →Creating muddy colors by over-mixing.
- →Ignoring the importance of value relationships.
- →Failing to capture the light and atmosphere.
materials
surface · stretched canvas
required
- ·stretched canvas 12x16
- ·oil paints
- ·palette
- ·palette knife
- ·#4 round brush
- ·#6 flat brush
- ·linseed oil
- ·odorless mineral spirits
optional
- ·easel
- ·painting medium
- ·varnish
Use a limited palette to achieve color harmony. Consider using a toned canvas to establish a mid-tone ground.
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